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Poetical Meditations and Thoughtful Paragraphs 



Poetical Meditations 

and 

Thoughtful Paragraphs 

By Simon P. Yoder 



Let the words of my mouth and the medita- 
tions of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O 
Lord, my strength and my redeemer. — Psalm 19:14. 



# 



Published by the Author 
DENBIGH, VIRGINIA 






Copyright 1916 
By S. P. Yoder. 



^^| 



crj 



APR 14 1917 



kl.A457991 



To the Rising Generation, 

Our bright-minded and warm-hearted 

Boys and Girls 

The Hope of the Church and Nation, 

This Book is Hopefully Dedicated 

By the Author 



WORDS PREFATORY 



About three thousand years ago a wise man, 
who himself wrote books, said "Of the making of 
many 'books there is no end." iWhat the indulgent 
reader finds in this little book was however not 
written for the purpose of "making a book." Some 
of these poems were composed nearly half a cen- 
tury ago; others were written in recent years. 

In old age man is inclined to take a retro- 
spective view. In looking over the pa.^t of his 
checkered life the author finds many of life's ex- 
periences and lessons as they came to him from 
time to time, portrayed in his "Poetical Medita- 
tions," which are now for the first time gathered 
together. 

The varied experiences that come to us all in 
this life leave impressions either for good or evil 
according as our attitude may be towards Him 
who holds our destiny in His hands and overrules 
all the events and circumstances we meet for good 
to those who love Him. 

The author gratefully acknowledges his indebt- 
edness to his friend and Christian brother, J. A. 
Ressler, editor of the Words of Cheer, for his 
editorial work on the manuscript of this book, and 



10 WORDS PREFATORY 

for the ^benefit of his judgment in undecided anu 
questionable points. 

While the writer does not claim any special 
poetical merit for his verses, he trusts that they 
may be the means of directing the thoughtful read- 
er's attention to some homely, old-fashioned truths 
dressed in language easy to be understood and re- 
membered. 

SIMON P. YODER. 

Denbigh, Va., Sept. 20, 1916. 



SYNOPSIS OF THE AUTHOR'S BIOGRAPHY 



By His Daughter. 

Simon P. Yoder was born on a farm in the 
Tuscarora Valley, Juniata County, Pennsylvania, 
August 6, 1847. His parents, Jacob Yoder* and 
Anna Yoderf were both direct descendants of that 
sturdy Mennonite stock who emigrated to this land 
of religious liberty from Switzerland, Europe, early 
in the eighteenth century to escape military serv- 
ice, which they conscientiously believed to be con- 
trary to the teachings of the New Testament. 

In 1854 he moved with his parents to Mahon- 
ing County, Ohio, and nine years later (1863) from 
there to Barker Street, St. Joseph County, Michi- 
gan. 

His advantages for obtaining an education in 
the district schools of his time could not advance 
him fceyond the three "Rs," "reading, 'riting and 
"rithmetic." Being a great reader from his boy- 
hood, he passed much of his time while in the 
school of affliction as a "shut-in" invalid, in study- 
ing the Bible and other good books. It was at this 



*His mother's maiden name was King. 
fHer mother's maiden name was Hertzler. 



12 SYNOPSIS OF THE AUTHOR'S BIOGRAPHY 

time, from 1872 to 1875, that his meditations first 
found expression in verse. 

Having partly regained his health he followed 
the commercial job printing ibusiness for several 
years, doing business mostly through the mails. 

In 1880 he was united in marriage with Mary 
'Metzler of Mahoning County, Ohio. 

In 1883 they moved to that County on an 
eleven acre farm near East Lewistown, where he 
made a specialty of bees and pure-bred poultry. 
In 1902 he removed with his family, consisting of 
his wife and five children, to Warwick County, 
Virginia, where he resides at the time of this 
writing. 



CONTENTS 

Part I. Poetical Meditations 

1. Religious 

2. Miscellaneous 

Part II. Thoughtful Paragraphs 



PARTI 
POETICAL MEDITATIONS 



RELIGIOUS 

THE BIBLE 



'Mong all the books this world contains 

The Bible stands alone; 
For here authority Divine 

On every page is shown. 
The value of this wondrous Book 

No one can estimate ; 
Without it all mankind would lapse 

Into the savage state. 

A fount of knowledge and of truth, 

Which none can e'er exhaust; 
A mine of pure, God-given wealth, 

Yet offered without cost. 
And all who search its pages well 

Great golden truths may see; 
And all who will may draw therefrom 

Life-giving waters free. 

The organ of God's kingdom here. 
Its words make all things new 

To those who love its precious truths 
And live its precepts too. 



l6 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

For by its glorious light we see 
Where wisdom would begin 

There first must "be removed the vile 
And loathsome seeds of sin. 

It is the student's Book of 'books; 

In its exhaustless store 
He finds the best of histories, 

And deepest ancient lore. 
Biographies and prophecies 

His admiration claim; 
Though varied they may be in style, 

In spirit still the same. 

A Book of wisest laws and rules, 

A Book of sermons rare; 
A Book of proverbs and of psalms, 

Of praises and of prayer: 
The modern writer draws therefrom 

His poetry and prose, 
' And all his works of merit true 

Its principles disclose. 

Dictated by Omnipotence, 

To show redemption's plan, 
The Bible is a priceless gift 

Of love from God to man : 
It warns, insti^ucts and kindly pleads 

To lift our fallen race; 
Then shows the meek, repentant soul 

How he is saved by Grace. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 17 

It is the Christian's traveling guide, 

On which is marked the way 
That leads him to his home above 

Where reigns eternal day. 
The faithful by its teachings find 

The city of their King, 
Where joys supernal never cease 

And glad hosannas ring. 

It is the banner of reform 

Which rouses men of soul 
To fight 'gainst Satan's sway where'er 

The human tide may roll: — 
To teach their fellowmen to live 

A purer, nobler life, 
Above the vain and fickle ways 

Of ignorance and strife. 

The treasures of this blessed Book 

Are found by those who read 
Its pages as the Word of God, 

Written for their own need: 
In spirit pray to know and do 

Whate'er it may require ; 
For such its truths are traced as with 

A pen of living fire. 

Its value true consists not in 

Mere words and sentences, 
But in the God-inspired power 

That still behind them lies. 



i8 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

'Tis this that gives immortal life 

Unto the sacred page 
'And feeds a throng of hungry souls 

In each succeeding age. 



TRUTH AND PEACE 



The voice of Truth must be allowed 

To speak in tones of thunder, — 
Its lightnings pierce old Error's cloud' 

And break its folds asunder. 
Ere gentle Peace in whispers mild 

Will speak its welcome greetings. 
And by its presence, pure and sweety 

Subdue the heart's wild beatings. 

The sword of all-prevailing Truth 

Must slay dark superstition; 
Dispel the doubts that would enslave 

And blind man's moral vision, 
lEre white-robed Peace can comfort bring 

To calm the waves of sorrow. 
And by its radiant light proclaim 

A fairer, brighter morrow. 

The Word of Truth must rule instead 
Of man-made, vain tradition; — 

Eternal verities displace 
Mere human supposition, 

Ere Hope can have foundation sure 
To build for future ages, 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 19 

And Peace abide, serene and pure, 
While life's brief conflict rages. 

The fire of Cod's eternal Truth 

Must flash from Sinai's mountain 
Until the trembling sinner flees 

To Mercy's open fountain. — 
To Christ, whose righteousness alone 

Averts the wrath of heaven ; 
For through the merits of His blood 

Is Peace and pardon given. 

Tlie Spirit of eternal Truth 

Must guide the pilgrim weary. 
That he may walk and stumble not 

Along life's pathway dreary. 
Then perfect Peace descends to bless 

His soul with heavenly treasures, 
And by its warm, life-giving rays 

Affords celestial pleasures. 



SALVATION 



Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and 
thou shalt be saved. — ^Acts 16:31. 

I^ng I wandered, lone and weary, 
Seeking for the better way; 

Kg^pt's gloom and darkness dreary 
Hiding still the light of day. 

Sinai's peaks, obscuring heaven. 
Issued forth Law's thunder peal, 



20 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

While on earth no balm was given 
My despairing soul to heal. 

Oft I sought in deepest anguish 

To perceive the path of right, — 
Still my soul was doomed to languish 

For the want of heaven's light. 
Though I strove with firm endeavor 

Written precepts to obey, 
Vile confusions reigned and ever 

Darker grew my weary way. 

Broken down with imperfections, 

Having naught but husks to eat, 
And mistrusting men's directions, 

Now I fell at Jesus' feet; 
Soon the threatening clouds were riven. 

And I heard my Savior say, 
"Thou shalt be an heir of heaven, 

I have washed thy sins away!" 



O the bliss of free salvation 

Never human tongue can tell! 
Not by works of high laudation 

Are we freed from fears of hell: 
'Tis the priceless gift of heaven, 

Which by grace — When we believe. 
And our sins are all forgiven. 

Without merit we receive. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS ai 

Saved from sin, how can I tender 

Praises meet my love to prove 
Heart and soul I nov^ surrender 

In the arms of Sovereign Love. 
Though my ransomed soul can never 

Duly praise my Savior's name, 
By His help my life shall ever 

Free salvation's way proclaim. 

Many souls in darkness slumber 

Wrapped in cold and gravelike shrouds; 
False professors without number 

Blind the way with formal clouds, 
But a brighter, purer morrow 

Slowly dawns with cheering ray; 
This alone can banish sorrow; 

"Jesus washed my sins away." 

'God be praised for a salvation 

That supplieth all our needs; 
Not attained through rank or station, 

Neither bought by hollow deeds. 
Jesus grants a clear permission, 

All may have salvation free 
On Love's only safe condition: 

Heed His words, — "Believe on Me." 

Praise and gratitude shall ever 

So my heart to action move 
While I live, that naught can sever 

That which God hath sealed in love. 



22 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Holy Spirit guide me daily 

That my life, my words and pen 

May proclaim how full salvation 
Bringeth joy to sinful men. 



FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT 



The fool hath said in his heart, There is 
no God, — Ps. 14:1. 

In time of plenty and of peace, 

When friends abound and every plan 

For worldly gain seems to increase 

The joys of man: 

Seeing 'but nature's smiling face, — 
All things existing as they should, 
Man soon forgets the throne of grace — 
The Source of good. 

Frail being, now he lifts his head. 

And on his own vain strength relies; 
By wisdom he will not 'be led, 
But truth denies! 

With haughty look and lofty brow. 

His self-sufficiency he claims ; 
Feeling no need of help he now 
In pride exclaims, 

"There is no higher power than mine; 
Why should I fear a chast'ning rod? 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 23 

Man is himself the all-divine — 
There is no God!" 

Misguided one, where standest thou? 

By whom were all thy blessings given? 
Look up and see the heavens now — 
By thunders riven — 

Declare thy guilty soul to be 

Doomed to affliction, shame and grief, 
'Till thou in thy distress canst see 
Thine unbelief! 

Prosperity now hides her face; 

Grim want disperses pleasing wealth; 
Loathsome disease next takes the place 
Of blooming health. 

False summer friends in scorn depart; 

Vile slander shows its forked tongue; — 
Who can console his bleeding heart. 
By conscience stung? 

His fondest hopes lie blasted all ; 
Frustrated are his dearest aims; 
Deadly remose, bitter as gall, 
His life-blood claims! 

Despair consumes his vitals quite; 
And fear corrodes his heart of stone; 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

He gropes his way in darkest night, 
Alone, alone! 

No one to love, no one to trust ; 

No helping hand, no word of cheer, 
He feels himself as naught but dust, — 
Will heaven hear? 

Ah, awful fate, "There is no God!" 

Yet now he knows the need of one, — 
Hold — shall he "kiss the chastening rod" — 
Bid dou'bts begone? 

Angels attend, the sinner seeks 
Salvation for his sinsick soul 
The Savior in compassion speaks, 
"Be thou made whole." 

Rejoice, O pardoned one, rejoice. 

See! heavenly rays dispel the night. 
As through the gloom there breaks a Voice, 
"Let there be light!" 

Celestial streams of mercy roll 

Across the meek repentant breast; 
Peace like a river fills the soul. 
And Love brings rest. 

Behold the change — ^he calmly bides 
His time in peace, for well he knows, 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 25 

Whatever evil now betides, 
God heals his woes. 

The new-^born soul in meekness aims 

To spread the tidings all abroad, 
And by a holy life proclaims, 
"There is a God!" 



BELONGING TO JESUS 



If we've found salvation 

Let the truth be known; 
We belong to Jesus, 

And are not our own. 
Burdened one in sorrow, 

Asking what to do, 
Know you not that Jesus 

Gave Himself for you? 

Would you know the secret 

Of sweet hope and joy, 
And be freed from burdens 

That your soul annoy? 
Give yourself to Jesus, 

To the Lord most just. 
In His tender mercy 

He'll accept the trust; 

Then, tliough grief and sorrow 
In their darkest form 



26 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Threaten to envelop, 

In their gloom and storm, 

All the joy and brightness 
Of your daily life, 

You can rest securely. 
Freed from inward strife. 

In the arms of Jesus 

As the Shepherd true 
Who in loving kindness 

Ever cares for you ; 
And your soul in gladness 

Will repeat His praise, — 
Joining in this chorus 

All your future days: 

I belong to Jesus, 

He belongs to me. 
Precious life eternal 

Now by faith I see. 
Yes, iny Savior daily 

All my wants supplies, 
And my future safely 

In His keeping lies. 



INVITATION 



Many blossoms full of promise ' 
Have been blighted w^ith the cold; 

There are also lambs whoVe perished, 
'Cause they've wandered from the fold. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 27 

But a shelter is provided — 

Trust in Jesus' love and care; 
'Neath his sheltering wings take refuge 

Calm, sweet peace, and rest are there. 

Come, O sinner, leave your idols ! 

Stray no farther from the fold; 
For the world is full of danger. 

And its frowns are bitter cold. 
Trust in him who yearns to shelter 

All the helpless here below; 
He will lead you through green pastures, 

Where the living waters flow. 

Jesus came to save his people 

From all sin and from all woe; 
Though our sky be sometimes clouded, 

Still it cannot long be so; 
For our Lord we know is mighty; 

All who trust in His high name, 
They shall never be forsaken — 

Never come to grief and shame. 

Ye who follow worldly pathways, 

Come, no longer now delay; 
Trust not in your worldly wisdom, 

Jesus is the only way. 
"Empty forms," they have no virtue : 

Let the Savior have thine heart! 
By so doing, then like Mary, 

You have chosen that "good part." 
1872 



28 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

A SOUL IN DANGER 



Before m lies a written sheet, 

A letter neatly penned; 
What is the message it conveys 

From my far-distant friend? 
A painful one, hard to relate, — 

You cannot guess, I know. 
What news this silent missive brings 

That grieves and pains me so. 

You ask, "Has sickness made your friend 

A victim of its power? 
Or has the dreaded monster Death 

Struck down some lovely flower?" 
No; none of these, more dreadful far 

The state in which I find 
My young and gifted friend is placed, 

For, poisoned is his mind! 

The ndble gifts his Maker gave 

He uses to disprove 
The truth of Cod's inspired Word, 

And Christ's great work of love: — 
To show that God Himself's a myth — 

His word a fa'ble too, — 
All Christians a deluded set. 

While he*s sincere and true! 

O God of love, have mercy now 
On this misguided youth ! 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 99 

What answer shall I send to him 

That he may see the truth? 
Thy name is stamped on all thy works, 

Yet hidden from his sight; 
O quickly then, to this poor soul, 

Dear Lord, reveal the light! 



LIFE 



Life, human life, — what mysteries 

The life of man enfolds; — 
What god-like possi'bilities 

The humblest life-germ holds! 

Yea, who can rightly comprehend 
And solve life's problems great: 

Life's origin — foretell its end — 
Its value estimate? 

In boyihood's days, when first I sought 
Deep things to comprehend, 

I wept sad tears because I thought 
That life in death must end. 

Existence cease and every spark 

Of life be swept away: 
Annihilation deep and dark 

Hold universal sway! 



30 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Existence cease, and death in 'black 

Oblivion reign supreme? 
I shudder as the thought rolls back 

Like some soul-haunting dream! 

Existence cease ? Ah no ! the breath 

Of life remains for aye 
A never-dying soul, and death 

Must seek a weaker prey. 

Cod gave His Son that man might have 

Life more abundantly ; — 
To quicken into growth and save 

The soul from sin set free. 

Hence it is not *'by bread alone,'' 

Or food that doth sustain 
The outer man — mere flesh and iDone 

That we our lives maintain. 

God's Holy Spirit and His Word^ 
That bread from heav'n above, 

Sustains the children of the Lord 
In life, and peace, and love. 

Then why corrode our minds with cares^ 

And labor all our days 
For this poor dying world's affairs. 

And its delusive ways? 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

So let us here life's mission fill, — 

Our talents all employ 
In sweet accordance with God's will, — 

His service make our joy. 

•Death's hideousness then quickly dies, 
For love will banish fear: — 

We sink in death that we may rise 
Into a higher sphere. 



PREPARE TO LIVE 



For I have no pleasure in the death of 
him that dieth, saith the Lord God; 
wherefore turn yourselves and live ye. — 
Ezek. 18:32. 

Prepare to live ! all earthly things 

Must surely pass away; 
All that the world now holds so dear 

Is doomed to swift decay; 
And only that which God restores 

To Eden's holy state 
Can live for aye in peace and joy 

Beyond the heav'nly gate. 

Surely the Lord no pleasure has 
That wicked men should be 

Xrcft to receive the just reward 
Of their iniquity; 

But loudly calls to every one, — 
O sinner why despise 



32 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

The day of grace — ^why will ye die 
The death that never dies? 

The wages of your sin is death, 

But O, you may receive 
The gift of God— eternal life, 

If you will but 'believe 
The word of God and pardon seek 

While pardon may be found ; 
While Jesus for you intercedes, 

And mercy doth abound. 

Why will you die? O sinner turn 

While yet 'tis called today. 
That you may live when earthly scenes 

Forever pass away. 
Why follow Satan's leadings here 

Until your closing breath 
To share with him the burning lake, 

Which is the second death? 



Prepare to live that life beyond 

AH earthly pain and fear. 
By true repentance, followed iby 

A holy life while here: 
For only that which God restores 

To Eden's holy state 
Can live for aye in peace and joy 

Beyond the heav'nly gate. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 33 

CHRISTIAN LIVING 



Romans 12:9-21. 

Let love without hypocrisy 

Be seen and understood, 
Abhor the things that evil be — 

Hold fast to all that's good. 

Fraternal love each Christian soul 
Would e'er do wrell to seek; 

Thy brother's honor then prefer, 
And show a spirit meek. 

Not slothful be, but earnestly 
Thy gracious Master serve: 

Rejoice in hope, and patient be — 
Through trials never swerve. 

Cease not to pray for help Divine, 

Then freely, kindly share 
Thy blessings with the brethren poor,- 

And strangers need thy care. 

When persecuted bless thy foes, — 
No thoughts of cursing keep. 

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, 
And weep with them that weep. 

Be of one mind, and shun all vain 
Conceits of wisdom great. 



34 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Mind not things high, but condescend 
To men of low estate. 

To no man evil recompense 

■Whatever he may do; 
Provide things honest in the sight 

Of all where'er you go. 

If possible, O seek to he 
So filled with love refined, 

That you may now and ever live 
In peace with all mankind. 

Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, 
But unto wrath give way; 

For vengeance truly is the Lord's, — 
He saith, "I will repay." 

Give food unto thine enemy, 
And drink when he hath need ; 

For 'by such acts he may perceive 
That thou art Christ's indeed. 

Be not of evil overcome. 

But overcome with good 
The evil that opposeth thee. 

As every Christian should. 

Aug., 1874. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 
LIFE'S WARFARE 



35 



With the dawning of existence, 

In this world of ceaseless strife, 
Comes the need of stern resistance 

To the things that menace life. 
Life and death here strive together 

From the cradle to the tomb; 
And the conflict rages ever 

Wheresoe'er our feet may roam. 

Deadly microbes live and flourish 

In the water and the air; 
And the things our bodies nourish 

Also germs of sickness bear. 
Insects threaten devastation 

Unto choicest plants and trees; 
Every form of vegetation 

Has its mortal enemies. 

Where the finest wheat is planted. 

Or the fairest flowers bloom, 
There likewise to tares is granted 

Ample germinating room. 
Not enough a careful seeding. 

Then with folded hands to stop ; 
There must he a strenuous weeding. 

Else a failure in the crop. 

There's no progress without action, — 
Growth retarded means decay; 



36 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

All expansion meets contraction 
Darkness stands opposed to day. 

If, to better man's condition, 
Heaven's call you would obey, 

Prejudice and superstition 

Rise at once to block the way. 

Where the germs of truth eternal 

Find a lodgment in the heart, 
There are present fiends infernal 

To pervert the better part. 
Would you fit your soul for heaven, 

There in perfect peace to dwell? 
Then beware lest ^Error's leaven, 

'Germs impart that fit for hell. 

•Courage, brother, Good and Evil 

Find on earth their battle ground ; 
Chl'ist is stronger than the devil, 

And through Him is vict'ry found. 
His true soldiers shall have power. 

Marching 'neath His banner bright; 
Strength for every place and hour. 

In the battle for the right. 

Wrong may triumph for a season, 
AH our eflorts seem in vain ; 

Though the earth be filled with treason, 
Truth crushed down will rise again. 

And the final charge of heaven 
Satan's hosts will all subdue ; 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 37 

Then the victor's crown is given 
To the faithful and the true. 
1913. 



ETERNAL LIFE 



The changing scenes of life on earth 

Remind us day by day, 
How all that now our eyes behold 

Must surely pass away. 
What we perceive by human sense 

Of high or low degree, 
When marked by Time's rel^nt|es§, jtouj^j^ 

Obeys this stern decree. .^.vIjbdCI 319 }j 

The stoutest oak upon the hill, ^jj-o^^^^^r y. 

Frail flow'rs of fairest bloon^Jo ^^,^^^t ^^-^^ 
All living creatures, great and,,sn|ajl,.,^'n 

Bow to th^^se,lf-same dpoA». ^.^ >|^£v/ oT 
They flourish for a season^ .^ut^] f['..!iiW 

To perish and decay; 
Though others rise to take their place, 

They, too, must pass awa^.-'i^'- '^^od liiH. 

And what is man? Tfotig-h''h^op>^^sM€^''^- 
As monarch, lord, and king; inl oflV-' 

That he may lower formS'idf iM^-'^q s'^'''' 
To his subjection bring. " ' v/oVI 

Clothed with mortality, his life ~'^ 

A vapor for a day; 



^-^Ig^-v 



38 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

He breathes, he acts, he dies, and then 
He, too, must pass away. 

Are all things transitory then? 

The grave the only goal? 
No power a'bove frail, mortal man 

His dest'ny to control? 
If such the case 'twere better far 

To be a brute and die 
Without a thought of nobler things, 

Or aspirations high. 

The Source of life forever lives. 

Here Death's dominion ends. 
From man, the image of that Source, 

A longing e'er ascends 
For love and peace and purity, — 

Freed from earth's sin and strife 
To walk in harmony with Cod, 

Which is eternal life. 



But how can feeble, sin-cursed man 

This blessed state attain? 
Alone through Christ, the sinless One, 

Who for man's sin was slain. 
Sin's penalty He paid in full, 

Now prays, "Father forgive — " 
Thus reconciling us to God, — 

He died that we might live. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 39 

Christ died? Our Lord, the Prince of life, 

He buried in the tom>b? 
He rose again, dispelling thus 

Corruption's dreadful gloom. 
To all the world, Oh quickly now 

The wond'rous story tell; 
How Christ arose to live and reign, 

Victor o'er Death and Hell. 

O blessed hope ! Immortal truth ! 

Because our Savior lives, 
To those whose lives are hid with Him, 

Eternal life He gives. 
The soul, of origin divine. 

Freed from this mortal clay, 
Shall live with Him eternally 

In brightest realms of day. 



LIFE'S MYSTERIES 



Men in their wisdom long have sought 

To know the primal source of things; 
By scientific rules explain 

Life's origin — from whence it springs 
To analyze and demonstrate 

Life's mysteries, and thereby prove 
Man's power and self-sufficiency 

Without assistance from above. 

Yea, by their worldly wisdom great 
They've found that God-created man 



40 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Is but a well-developed ape, 

Whose ancestry (they say) began 

A million centuries before 

The Bible writers wrote the tale, 

That we in ignorance esteem 
As truth divine that cannot fail. 

Thus evolutionists evolve 

A theory that places man 
Among the beasts that have no need 

Of knowing revelation's plan. 
And being competent to know 

The secret true, from whence we came, 
Why have a Book ("quite out of date") 

To tell us of a higher Name? 

And yet, in tracing to their source 

E'en common things we daily see — 
The luscious frviit, the blossom sweet, 

The bud and then the growing tree — 
We fail to find within the soil 

That feeds the root, how life began, 
Or whence the power that causes growth, 

Or who devised the wond'rous plan. 



'Tis plain some self-existing Power, 
Some wise Designer did design 

That things should be just as they are; 
Hence mortal man cannot define 



I 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 41 

The hidden mysteries of life, 

Or hy profoundest learning show 

When stars above 'began their course, 
Or how earth-life first learned to grow. 

When men of highest culture spurn 

God's Holy Word, from heav'n revealed. 
They cast themselves adrift upon 

A sea of doubt, where faith must yield 
To waves of vague uncertainty, 

'Neath clouds of dark and hopeless gloom, 
Where life with all its mysteries 

Is swept into a Christless tomb. 

The worldly wise may scoff and sneer, 

God's blessed Bible firmly stands. 
Proclaiming still salvation's way. 

Good for all ages and all lands. 
Life's mysteries we'll leave with Him, 

Who holds our every life and breath; 
We'll trust and serve Him while we live, 

Nor fear the change that men call death. 



GOD BLESS THE TRUE LIFE! 



For Thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous. 
— Psalm 5:12. 

God bless the heart that's filled with love — 
Unselfish love from heaven's store; 

That's gentle as the harmless dove, 
God bless and keep it evermore! 



42 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

God 'bless the tongue that speaks no ill, 
To wound a single fellow-man; 

Speaks only truth in sweet, good will, 
And cheering words where'er it can. 

God ibless the lips that never mould 

Sarcastic words through hate expressed; 

That ne'er repeat a slander told, 
Or frame a sinful, thoughtless jest. 

God bless the eye that's quick to see 
The good where'er it may abide, 

Yet drops a tear of sympathy 
For suffering ones by evils tried. 

God bless the face that daily wears 
A smile that's born of faith and love; 

On which no angry scowl appears. 
When basest wrong its owner prove. 

God bless the hands that never shirk 
A needful task that they can do, 

By friendly aid and Christian work. 

Sweet comforts spread where'er they go. 

God bless the feet that nObly shun 
The pathways that to sin allure, 

"Walk in the light," and quickly run 
At mercy's bid to aid the poor. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 43 

Ah ! iblest indeed that soul must be 
In whom these things are all combined! 

The good and bad, all love to see 
A Christian life, true and refined. 

Pure, holy thoughts produce no frowns, 
Kind words will live forevermore, 

Kind hearts are more than golden crowns, 
And simple faith than deepest lore. 

And where these noble virtues bloom. 
Which I in feeble rhymes have dressed, 

Thou'lt find a child of God in whom 
Eternal joys and blessings rest. 



LIFE'S BEAUTIFIER 



(Love.) 

Christian graces leave their traces 

On the deeds we do; 
Skies grow brighter, burdens lighter 

W'hen our hearts art true. 

Hearts grow weary; things look dreary; 

Songs are turned to whines; 
Irksome duty mars life's beauty 

Where no love-light shines. 

Love and duty, strength and beauty, 
Joining heart and hand. 



44 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

La'bors lighten, prospects brighten 
Over sea and land. 

Self denials in Life's trials 

Last but for a day; 
Heaping measures of Love's treasures 

Follow soon to stay. 

As the show^ers freshen flowers 

In the heat of day, 
Kindness given makes a heaven 

All along the way. 

Light keeps shining where no whining 

Spreads its pall of night; 
Life is sweetest and completest 

When the heart is right. 



GOD KNOWS US AS WE ARE 



Our highest aspirations 
And strivings for the right 

Are known alone in Heaven, 
In God's eternal light. 

We cannot give expression 
For human eyes and ears 

To things our hearts hold sacred- 
God only sees and hears. 

Our purest, best intentions 
Are hid from human eyes : 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 45 

Unable to accomplish 

The good we highly prize. 
Men pass unrighteous judgment 

Because they fail to see 
Beneath works superficial 

The spirit's victory. 

Good works alone can never 

A place in heaven gain, 
But hearts with heavenly longings 

Need never long in vain. 
God looks upon the motive 

That prompts our every deed, 
Our weak and faulty actions 

The world alone can read. 

To hear each other's burdens, 

The law of Christ fulfil, 
Means more than duty-doing — 

It means the inward will. 
To have the mind of Jesus, — 

Moved by His Spirit true, 
Reflects the smile of heaven 

On hum'blest deeds we do. 

Words may be loudly spoken 
That mean not what they say; 

A look, when lips are silent. 
Love's message can convey. 

The heart's unspoken promptings 
Our words and actions prove : 



46 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

How sweet and grand the lesson- 
The law of Christ is love. 

Men know us and remember 

By deeds which we have done 
To gain the praise or censure 

Of mortals 'neath the sun : 
Cod sees with eyes all-seeing 

All things both near and far; 
He judges righteous judgment, — 

He knows us as we are. 



UNION OF BELIEVERS 



Christ prayed for 'his followers : ''That t^hey 
•all may (be one ; as thou, Father, art in me, and I 
in thee, that they also may be one in us : that the 
world may believe that thou hast sent me," John 
17:20, 21. 

O, methinks if all those believers, 

W(ho look upon Christ as their head, 
Were firmly and truly united, 
Even as the Savior has said, 

Then Satan, the author of evil, 
Could find little room for a seat; 

But, with his own weakness disgusted, 
He would make a hasty retreat. 

Little chance could he have to devour, 
E'en the weakest believing soul 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 47 

Were believers in love so united — 
All into one beautiful whole. 

Forbearance and charity ever 

With sunshine illumine eadh day; 

Uplifting the weak and the weary, 
E'er pointing to Christ as the Way. 

Many members of the same body, 
None be left to struggle alone, — 

In harmony working together 

To build on the Chief corner stone. 

God grant that we may have that spirit; 

Which leadeth to harmony here; — 
None seeking his ov/n selfish pleasure, 

But holding all others as dear. 

O ! then spiritual feasts would be given, 
Such as never this world hath known; 

Since the day when the Spirit from heaven. 
Like as tongues of fire was shown! 

But, Brethren; say, are we united, 
Unto Christ our Savior and Lord; 

If among ourselves we're divided 
By envyings, strife and discord? 

Nay, nay, for a sign hath been given, 
By Jesus our Lord from above: 

*'By this ye'll be known as disciples. 
If ye one another do love." 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 
CHRISTIAN LOVE AND SYMPATHY 



"A new commandment I give unto you, 
That ye love one another; as I have 
loved you that ye also love one another. 
By this shall all men know that ye are 
my disciples, if ye have love one to an- 
other."— John 13:34,35. 

On this subject long I've pondered, 

Through my mind these texts still ring: 
Is the ''New Command" I wondered 

But a lifeless, legal thing? 
Through it we see indications 

Of the workings of the soul 
That has changed its inclinations — 

Given all to Christ's control. 

Oh that men had always hearkened 

To sweet counsel from above; 
Precious homes would not be darkened 

For the want of Christian love. 
Now kind feelings oft lie dormant, 

Anguish dwells where love should reign; 
And amidst such things discordant 

Hearts are crushed for selfish gain. 

Listen then while I am pleading, 

Since in truth it must be said. 
All around us hearts are bleeding 

For the want of friendly aid ; — 
In the light by heav'n begotten 

Shall such things forever be? 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 49 

Have all men then quite forgotten 
Christian love and sympathy? 

Some are bound 'by worldly fashions 

Till they loathe a Christian life; 
Others yield to angry passions, 

And engage in envious strife. 
While 'mongst those v^rho stand professing 

Pious, non-resistant w^ays, 
Ofttimes see we most distressing 

Symptoms of declining grace. 

By what sign shall true believers 

Be distinguished everywhere. 
From pretenders and deceivers? 

By the Christian love they bear 
To each other, said our Savior. 

From this holy love will grow 
Humble, true and right behavior, 

That all men their faith may know. 

Fellow man, whatever thy nation, 

Trustest thou in Jesus* word? 
Hast thou found that great salvation 

Which is given iby our Lord? 
Let us pray, my Christian brother, 

For a deeper work of grace. 
That may cleanse us from all error, 

And discordant things efface. 

Sympathetic feelings, brother. 
We should cherish day by day; 



50 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

But if harsh towards each other 
How can we for blessings pray? 

All true hearts have inward longings 
For a higher, nobler life; — 

Why not cease from bitter wrongings, 
Live in love and banish strife? 

Henceforth let us aid each other, 

It will make our burdens light 
If we kindly walk together 

In the path of truth and right. 
Since we now confess Christ Jesus 

As our Savior and our guide, 
Let not Satan's wiles deceive us 

Till we yield to hate or pride. 

We are called to love each other — 

Oh for faith and love that we 
May our selfish feelings smother 

And increase in sympathy! 
While on earth, Oh may we ever 

Walk together hand in hand; 
Jesus will forsake us never. 

If we heed his "new command." 

We are pilgrims bound for heaven 
Where the holy ones abide; — 

Where true happiness is given, 
And no evil can betide: 

And by faith we look to Jesus 
As the only way to God, 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 51 

For from guilt he did release us 
By the shedding of his blood. 

Wherefore then, my Christian brother, 

Should we be estranged so long? 
Can we not stand up together 

In our warfare 'gainst the wrong? 
Let no man-made gods deceive us; 

Hope would all be wretchedness 
If we could not trust in Jesus, 

Who is all our righteousness. 

Let us now provoke each other 

Unto love and righteous deeds, 
And assist our weaker brother — 

Thus we'll scatter precious seeds, 
Which perchance may grow and flourish 

In what else were barren land, 
And ourselves and others nourish 

Through the Savior's new command. 

This would be a world of beauties 

Like unto the world above, 
If all men would do their duties 

From the motive of true love. 
Peaceful glories, pure and holy. 

Would descend our homes to bless, 
If all men, both high and lowly, 

Were but freed from selfishness. 



52 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

E'en the peaceful homes in glory — 

Homes of angel hosts above, 
Would be filled with battles gory 

If they were not filled with love. 
God is love, and he abideth 

Only with the pure in heart, 
Where no party strife divideth 

Anxious souls with cruel art. 

While we pray the Lord of heaven 

For the thing of highest worth — 
That his kingdom may be given, 

And his will be done on earth, 
Let us not forget, dear brother. 

That pure charity so rare. 
And in love now walk together 

Lest we strive against our prayer. 

We should zealous be to labor 

For the good of all mankind; 
By our actions lead our neighbor 

To the fount of love refined: 
By our "walk and conversation*' — 

By the fruit the tree is known. 
Hence without dissimulation 

Must true Christian love be shown. 

Many wrongs would soon be righted. 
Many errors truth remove. 

Were the hearts of men united 
In the bonds of Christian love. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 53 

For the wicked world's salvation 

Let us labor then and pray : — 
May Christ's fold in every nation 

Gain in num'ber day by day. 

';■""■ "■ i 

First I'd say to every brother, 

Let us do the Master's will; 
And as Christians, love each other — 

Thus at once Christ's law fulfill! 
From the throne of grace above us 

Then rich blessings will descend, 
Hosts celestial then will love us, 

And our holy cause defend. 



RELIGION IN THE HEART 



Oh were the heart's sweet beauty known 
That lives each day for God alone, 
Then more would rise with me to say — 
Whilst seeking full salvation's way — 
May Christ possess my heart alone, 
And every idol god dethrone! 

Religion in the heart 

Alone can peace impart; 
Then cling to him who deigns to give 

Religion in the heart ! 

Draw nigh to God, O heart of mine, 
And open wide to love divine. 



54 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

heav'nly Guest a'bide with me ; 
All evils from thy presence flee. 
This is the power that conquers sin — 
The hope of glory — ^Christ within! 

Religion in the heart 
Alone can strength impart: 
All "moral works" are dead without 
Religion in the heart ! 

As from the seed the plant doth grow, 
And from the fount the brooklet flow, 
So from the power of Christ within 
A holy life alone can spring. 
Then let all those who wish for fruit 
New cherish well this precious root, 
Religion in the heart; — 
Let all things else depart: 
A fleeting show is life without 
Religion in the heart! 

While many seek in outward things 
The blessing which religion brings; 
And build their hope on sects and creeds, 
Or e'en perhaps on their own deeds, 

1 ask but this : — May Christ abide 
With me, and be my daily guide. 

Religion in the heart, 
What joys it doth impart; 
No blessings can compare with this — 
Religion in the heart! 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 55 

OUR THOUGHTS 



Our thoughts, ah who can count them all? 

Who may reveal their source? 
Their influence, whether good or bad, 

Their past, their future course? 

Methinks like hidden springs among 

The rocks and wooded hills. 
Quite noiseless and unnoticed first, 

They form the little rills. 

That trickle slowly down the slopes, 

Uniting as they flow. 
Thus forming brooks of impulse which 

Meander to and fro. 

And these, the turbid and the clear 

Together borne along, 
Fill up that noisy rushing stream, — 

The stream of action strong. 

A little thing yet of life's whole 

Each thought is still a part; 
For as thou thinkest in thy mind 

So in thy life thou art. 

The casual thought that seems to fade 

Like dew-drops in the sun, 
An impress leaves upon the mind 

Which ne'er can be undone. 



50 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

The source, from whence our thoug^hts arise, 

Must first be purified, 
Ere crystal streams of waters sweet 

Can fill life's flowing tide. 

Our Christian warfare endeth not 

While evil thoughts arise 
Within our hearts to mar our peace, 

And sinful acts devise. 

The Christian Spirit, pure and true, 

Must captivate each thought. 
Then truly we to Christ may be 

In sweet obedience brought. 



ALL FOR OUR GOOD 



"And we know that all things work to- 
gether for good to them that love God." 
—Rom. 8:28. 

How Strange it ofttimes doth appear. 

That we who strive to do God's will, 
With upright heart and conscience clear, 

Should have such fiery trials still ; 
Yes, daily do we feel our need 

Of grace to safely overcome 
Those things that mar the Christian life 

And drag the sinner to his doom. 

And what we in our present state 
Seek to avoid and greatly dread, 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 57 

God in his wondrous wisdom great 
Hath sent for good, and if we're led 

By His pure Spirit, walk in love, 

Then naught can harm us here below, 

Since He o'errules all things for good, 

Though now this truth we may not know. 

Though cherished hopes may blasted be. 

And failures crush our dearest aims, 
God knoweth what is best, and He 

Would oft remind us of His claims. 
Should sickness come, or sorrow pierce 

The heart overcome by want or woe, 
God's purpose is the same in all. 

We'll trust Him now, sometime we'll know. 

"All things" — how wonderful, how strange! 

What perfect love God manifests; 
Naught can befall us here to change 

Our heavenly Father's wise behests. 
He wisely orders what we need. 

And sendeth blessings in disguise; 
The greatest trial rightly borne 

Therein the richest blessing lies, 

O, let us then no more repine. 

But love Him more and sweetly rest 

Our hand in His when trials come. 
He sendeth only what is best; 

He careth for us day by day, 
And asketh only for our love, 



58 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

That He may draw us near to Him 
And fit us for our home above. 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS 



Seasons come and seasons go- 
Summer's heat and winter's snow, 
Zephyrs mild from southern lands, 
Chilling winds from ice-bound strands 
Daylight, flushed with sunshine bright, 
Followed by the sombre night. 
Damp and gloomy days of rain; 
Cloudless skies break forth again, — 
Lights and shadows, "ups and downs," 
Friendly smiles and angry frowns : 
Changing seasons, shifting scenes : 
Every variation means 
Something yet to be attained, 
Greater victories to be gained : 
Some deep lesson yet unlearned; 
Crowns, by crosses yet unearned. 
Seasons come and seasons go, 
All for good to those who know, 
And can see, the Power above 
Overruling all in love. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 59 

TRUST 



How sweet, O Lord, to come to Thee 

When every other refuge fails; — 
In perfect confidence to flee, 

When fierce affliction's storm assails, 
To One who understandeth all 

Our inmost wants and deepest woes; 
Who heareth every trustful call, 

And who can quell each blast that blows. 

Teach me, my Savior, more and more 

To look to thee for strength and light, 
And how when weak, despised, and poor. 

To find in thee my sole delight. 
Vain is the help of man, I know, 

Small solace can his words impart, 
But thou canst vanquish every foe, 

And fill with peace the trusting heart. 

I'll consecrate my life to Thee, 

Confiding in Thy boundless love; 
Thy mighty arm shall strengthen me 

When trials dark my faith would prove. 
My path is oft beset with snares. 

But Thou canst make my steps secure, — 
No flattering words nor worldly cares 

Shall him who trusts in Thee allure. 

Increase my faith, that I may be 
More humble, trustful and resigned; 



6o POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

And never cease to look to Thee 

For strength of soul and peace of mind, 

rd place no limit to Thy power, 
But trust Thee wholly day iby day; 

Thy gracious smile can light each hour. 
And drive the darkest clouds away. 



CONSIDER THE LILIES 



Consider the lilies in glory arrayed, 
Consider by whom they were fashioned and made; 
Then think how the Savior in wisdom did speak 
Of the beauty that rests on the lily's pale cheek. 

He who all the glory of heaven had seen; 
Whose home with bright angels and seraphs had 

been, 
Where all is perfection untainted by aught 
That marreth the beauty of earth's fairest spot, 

He with His disciples did walk through the fields, 
And notice quite closely the fruit each plant yields ; 
Then kindly discoursed of such earthly afifairs 
As bring to poor mortals their burdensome cares: 

) 
"Consider the lilies, how grandly they grow. 
They toil not, they spin not, — who clotheth them 

so, — 
Surpassing in glory the proudest designs 
Of monarchs who ravish the richest of mines?" 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 6i 

He pointeth with uplifted hand to the skies, 
Where many a bird so exultingly flies 
With songs of pure gladness unburdened by care, 
Then speaketh, "Behold all the fowls of the air! 

Who feedeth the sparrows, whence cometh their 

food? 
Your Father in heaven, the Source of all good, 
In kindness supplieth them every day : — 
Are beings with souls not much better than they? 

'Consider the lilies in beauty arrayed, 
Behold, too, the birds all so bounteously fed, 
And be not so faithless but only believe — 
Whatever thou needest Cod surely will give." 

Then why should we harbor forebodings of want? 
No shadows of evil our courage should daunt; 
For whilst we are seeking God's kingdom indeed. 
His bounty supplieth all things that we need. 

/ 
No more let us trust in a strength of our own. 
Or tremble with fear when our weakness is shown; 
But let us sincerely Cod's righteousness seek 
For He will be mighty in them that are weak. 

Consider the lilies so grandly arrayed, 
Consider by whom they were fashioned and made; 
Consider who feedeth each innocent bird 
And rest all securely in Cod and His Word. 



62 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

SOWING AND REAPING 



Gal. 6:7-9. 
We are sowing", ever sowing 

Seeds of truth and seeds of faith; 
Or else sowing seeds of evil, 

Seeds that end in pain and death. 
To the flesh or to the spirit 

All are sowing seeds today : — 
Seeds that multiply corruption 

Or enrich life's upward way. 

By our thoughts and *by our actions. 

Are we sowing unawares, 
Countless seeds which in due season 

Yield good fruit or hurtful tares. 
By each word and look we scatter 

Many seeds on life's great plain; 
O may gracious dews from heaven 

Nourish every righteous grain! 

Let us not forget the maxim, 

"What we sow we'll also reap;" 
Let us watch lest Satan scatter 

Seeds of evil while we sleep. 
Let us now not grow aweary 

While the seed-time yet doth last, 
Lest we then should be found fruitless. 

When the harveSt-time is past. 

All around us storms are blowing, 
O Lord, give us strength and light; 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 63 

Help us now while we are sowing 

That we sow the seeds aright. 
Father, guide us, daily guide us, 

That we sow on gospel ground, 
So that when the ear is growing, 

Holy fruit may there be found. 

Now we're sowing, soon the reapers 

Will go forth to reap the ground; 
O! may fruit of life eternal 

Then in all our fields be found ! 
Till the harvest trump is sounded, 

Help each one, Lord, who believes, 
Then with joy we'll homeward hasten, 

Bringing with us our own sheaves. 



'PROVOKE UNTO LOVE' 



Let us consider one another to provoke 
unto love and good works. — Heb. 10:24. 

"Provoke unto love," — ah, well may we say 
'Tis something we know little of; 

Provoking to wrath we see every day 
But what means provoking to love? 

Our faculties all were given to use 
As gifts from a kind Father's hand; 

Their exercise true and not their abuse 
Will make us just what He has planned. 

We reap as we sow, e'en here in this life, — 
We get as we give, love or hate ; 



64 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Our actions will yield sweet peace or dark strife:: 

A just recompense we await. 

A mirror reflects all things in the light 

In which they before it appear: 
A face wreathed in smiles, e'er cheerful and bright,, 

Ne'er finds there reflected a tear. 

The mirror of life throws back to us all 

An image of all our own deeds ; 
Give love or give hate, what will thee befall 

But that which from thy life proceeds? 

An answer that's soft, a look that is kind, 
What seeds do they plant in men's hearts? 

An angry reply, grim looks quite unkind 
What are they but poisonous darts? 

How pleasant to see an innocent child. 

Its soul yet so fresh from above, 
With sweet winning ways and actions so mild 

Provoking its playmates to love. 

The contrary, then, how grievous to see 

'Mong Christians; — O what shall they reap?" 

Provoking to wrath — it surely must <be 
A sight to cause angels to weep. 

Provoke unto love and wofks that are good^. 

By loveliest words, looks and deeds; 
What thy life imparts such spiritual food 

Returns to supply thy own needs. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 65 

THE WONDERFUL WORKS OF GOD 



God's Word relates 
That in the early morn of earth's existence 
When chaos yielded to the Voice creative, 
And into life sprang all things as commanded, 
Six times, as each grand work was ended. 
The Maker paused and saw how truly perfect 
And good it was. When all completed. 
The seventh time He looked, lo, "everything 
That He had made * * was very good." 

Ah, surely then, 
Well might the morning stars all sing together, 
And every creature that had found existence 
Praise God, the Perfect One ! What loveliness 
And sweet perfection must then have graced all 

nature, 
When naught was seen or heard to sadden 
The new made earth, — no elements discordant 
Throughout the boundless universe! 

How strange and sad 
That man, the crowning work of all creation, 
Made but a little lower than the angels, 
And placed in Eden with his Maker's blessing, 
That even he, with ibut a single statute 
To break or keep — one chance for disobedience, 
Should idly pluck and eat the fruit fort>idden. 
Thereby accepting from his wicked tempter 
An evil nature prone to actions sinful; 



66 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Thus calling down from high and holy heaven 
A curse on earth and all that dwell therein! 

Yet stranger still, 
In mystery hid past finding out, 
The plan divine wherdby full, free redemption 
Could come to fallen man. Great truth sublime. 
Beyond man's power of comprehension, 
God gave His Son, His only and beloved. 
Who e'en before the dawning of creation 
Was with the Father in bright realms of 'bliss. 

This Son of God 'became 
A ransom for the sin-cursed race of beings 
Who had rebelled 'gainst heaven's decree. He took 

upon 
Himself the curse; upon His head the sword of 

Justice 
Full vengeance took, that man from treason's 

penalties 
Could pardoned be: the sinner in dark dungeons 

chained. 
Enjoy the light of perfect liberty. 

O gracious work of God! 
Yea, all His works and words o'erflow with mercy 
To those who have accepted as their Savior 
The Lam'b of God for sinners slain. Christ cruci- 
fied 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS ^ 

Brings peace; yea more, His rising from the dead 

again 
Brings joy to all whose lives are hid with Him. 

But from all those 
Who thrust aside this work of grace and love, — 
Refuse to Usten to God's holy Word of Truths 
Deny the Son, — God's own existence doubt, — 
Heaven veils its smiling face : for how can they^ 
Who scorn the Almighty Giver's agency 
His wondrous gifts of love appreciate? 
Could those who reckon the Creator as a myth 
The beauties of creation comprehend? 

Look thou upon a convict doomed 
For long and weary years to drag away 
His life in chains behind grim prison bars 
In some dark dungeon's gloomiest cell, far, far re- 
moved 
From every ray of sunlight fair. The songs of 

birds 
Ne'er penetrate the mouldy walls to break 
The silence so oppressive grown. No breeze per- 
fumed 
With blooming plants; no joy inspiring breath of 

Spring 
E'er drives the dampness from his brow; the tini« 

est floweret 
Earth sustains unveils not there its modest face 
To cheer the eye with hopelessness bedimmed. 



68 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Take now a pardon in thine hand. 
Unlock the door that for a score of years was 

closed, 
And break the chains from ofif the lim'bs benumbed 
And crippled by their cruel weig^ht. Then lead 

him forth 
From that vile crime-polluted place; — let him ex- 
change 
His filthy rags for garments that an honor are 
To freedom's nc^blest sons; in tones subdued 
By love, speak words of heartfelt sympathy, 
And bid him be forever free! 

With rapture now 
He feasts his eyes on all the wonderful 
And glorious works of God. His heart expands 
With new-'found joy; and words are quite inade- 
quate 
To give expression to the thoughts of praise 
That fill his mind. His soul can now appreciate 
As ne'er before the 'beauty that by right belongs 
To everything that God has made. 

A picture this, 

Thoug^h faintly drawn, of a glad, grateful soul re- 
leased 

From Satan's chains of sin and shame : — A par- 
doned one. 

At peace with God, cleansed from his former sin- 
ful state , 

And walking in the perfect light and joy 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 69 

Which none but new-born souls may know. Such, 

only such 
Can rightly understand how very good indeed 
Is everything that God has made; for they alone 

may truly "look 
Through nature up to nature's God;" and looking 

thus 
With eyes undimmed 'by sin may see 
How wonderful are all the works of God. 



WHAT DO WE SEEK? 



Seek ye first the kingdom of God and 
his righteousness, — Matt. 6:33. 

Go ask the busy, bustling crowds 

That throng our streets from morn till night. 
What seek ye mostly for today? 

And if they answer thee aright 
They'll say, "The riches of this world 

We reckon as our chiefest aim; — 
Our time is fully occupied 

In seeking wealth, and power and fame." 

How sad,— immortal souls are bent 

On gaining that which proves a loss ; 
See how they toil both night and day 

For treasures that are naught but dross. 
The fleeting vanities of life 

Are sought with eager, burning haste. 
Whilst heaven-born, gifts and faculties 

Through sad neglect have gone to waste. 



70 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

What do we seek? Whom do we serve? 

What treasures do we strive to win? 
What is our chief est aim in life? 

What purpose rules our life within? 
O let us make our calling sure, 

Life's golden moments quickly fly, 
And none can be prepared to live 

Until they are prepared to die. 

Friend, hast thou gained thy heart's desire? 

Hast been successful in the race 
For riches, or perhaps the world 

Has granted thee a lofty place; 
And by the world admired and praised, 

Thou heedest not the gospel call? 
One thing thou lackest yet, my friend. 

And lacking this thou lackest all! 



All, all is lacking when the soul 

From earthly scenes must take its flight, 
Still steeped in gin and unprepared 

To meet a God of truth and right. 
All good is gained, all foes are slain, 

All tribulation overcosme, 
When, saved from sin, at peace with God, 

The soul departs for hesTcn's pure home. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 71 

SELF-EXAMINATION 



Gathering to the fold of Christ 

Or scattering far away 
From heavenly rest and peace with God,- 

Where do we stand today? 
Hearkening to the voice of God, — 

Obedient to His will, 
Or yielding to the tempter's wiles, 

The lusts of sin to fill? 

Walking with the saints of God 

Who sing Redemption's song? 
Or following the thoughtless crowd 

Who to the world belong? 
Traveling on the narrow way 

That leads us home to God, 
Or rushing heedlessly along 

The broad and downward road? 

Laying up real treasures that 

Will prove a heavenly gain, 
Or toiling to accumulate 

Mere worldly riches, vain? 
Striving now to win the crown 

'Whose glory is for aye? 
Or caring only for the things 

That quickly pass away? 

Trusting in the spotless Lamb 
Of God, for sinners slain? 



^2 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Or trying by self-righteous works 

Salvation's gift to gain? 
Following peace with all men here — 

A 'blameless, holy life? 
Or seeking 'but our selfish good 

In envious deeds of strife? 

Rejoicing that the Book of Life 

Contains our humble name, 
Or craving for the world's, applause- 

The fleeting bauble, fame? 
Knowing that our Savior has 

Prepared for us a home? 
Or, doubting all His promises,— 

What is our final doom? 



WISDOM 

Come, let us follow wisdom's ways; 
In her right hand is length of days ; 
Her ways alone are pleasant ways, 
"And all her paths are peace." 

Who will direct an erring soul 
To find true wisdom's blissful goal. 
Where righteousness may sin control, 
And unbelief shall cease? 

To God, whose wisdom can discern 
The thoughts of men, let sinners turn 
Their hearts and minds, that they may learn 
To heed whate'er He says, 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 73 

The truly wise will fear the Lord, 
The Holy One, to be adored, 
And learn in meekness, by His Word, 
To follow wisdom's ways. 

The source of all that's good and true. 
He is the Fount of wisdom too 
Whence freely cometh life anew 
To save a fallen race. 

Mere human wisdom but deceives. 
While he who truly Christ receives, 
A trusting heart to Jesus gives, 
That he may live by grace. 

True wisdom cometh from above, 
First pure, then gentle, filled with love; 
Its all-pervading power will prove 
From whence it had its rise. 

Base things, which men have laughed to scorn, 
Yea, foolish things, in weakness born, 
God's saving grace can so adorn 
As to confound the wise. 

Should e'en the humblest mortal find, 
By faith, the Savior of mankind, 
He'll soon outstrip and leave behind 
The sage who Christ denies. 

An eye of faith will oft perceive 
Deep mysteries, which would deceive 



74 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Philosophers, v/ho disbelieve 
The truth that never dies. 

Where shall we find a being wise, 
Infallible, beyond surmise? 
The Lord, whom many now despise — 
He only merits praise. 

If kings and rulers now would stand, 
They, too, must heed His guiding hand : 
Prosperity will crown their land 
That follows wisdom's ways. 



A BIBLE LESSON 



The Lord with his disciples twelve, 

Upon a mountain high 
Was seated, and great multitudes 

Of people gathered nigh. 
The people came because they saw 

Christ's miracles were great; 
Far from their homes they followed him, 

Until the eve grew late. 

The Savior with compassion looked 

Upon the multitude, 
Then unto his disciples said 

That they should give them food. 
Now all the food that was near by 

Was carried by a lad : 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 75 

Five barley loaves, — two fishes small — 
And this was all they had. 

Yet 'twas enough ; for Jesus, filled 

With power from above, 
First bade the men be seated all, 

Then taking up each loaf. 
He blessed and break, and gave to all 

From His unfailing store; — 
Five thousand men he fed therewith — 

Twelve baskets full left o'er! 

And thus we see, the little which 

An humble lad had brought, 
Was by Christ glorious might into 

Good food for thousands wrought ! 
Dear children, you who this may read, 

Hereby you all may see, 
How even in His wondrous work 

"A lad" could useful be. 

'Tis ever thus; the Lord has work 

For every one to do; 
Think not because you may be young 

He has no need of you. 
You may not always understand, 

Still patiently obey; — 
nris sweet to labor for the Lord, 

We know he will repay. 



'^(y POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

THE LOVE OF GOD 



As manifested in Nature 

All Nature declares there reigneth above 
A Maker all-wise who ruleth in love. 
His love is expressed in ev'ry wise plan 
That tends to promote the welfare of man. 
Man's evident place in the world, designed 
In wisdom supreme, by infinite Mind, 
In love to preside, a God-given soul. 
All creatures beneath his station control. 

As taught in the Bible 

We read of God's love in the Book that He gave. 

How Jesus was sent the sinner to save; 

To die in our stead — sin's penalty pay — 

Lost souls to redeem and open the way 

That man could again to Him be restored 

And live evermore in the joy of his Lord. 



\ 



As Experienced by the Christian ^ 

Oh happy estate ! now fully restored | 

To fellowship and communion with God; | 

From the power of sin and Satan set free, ''I 

Constrained by thy love we labor for thee. j, 

Rejoicing in thee, our Savior and King, | 

With grateful hosannas thy praises we sing. 
Though life in this world still has its alloys, 
Earth's trials prepare for heavenly joys. 
1905. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS tj 

GOD SO LOVED 



John 3:16 

God so loved His own creation 

That He laid Salvation's plan 
Even from the world's foundation, 

Ere the earth was formed for man: 
Knowing how the tempter, Satan, 

Here His crowning work would mar, 
And through sin and condemnation 

From His holy presence bar. 

God so loved the world of sinners 

That He gave His only Son 
To redeem and save from judgment, — 

He can save and He alone. 
He can save the vilest sinner 

That accepts His work of love : 
Bless his soul with life eternal, 

And his guilty stains remove. 

God so loved that He permitted 

Wicked men to crucify 
His own Son for sin's atonement — 

For the guilty sinner die. 
As a gift Salvation's given 

To the poor, sin-burdened soul 
Who repents and seeks forgiveness 

That his heart may be made whole. 



fS POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Cod so loved, — ^His goodness leadeth 

To repentance, faith and love; 
And by willing, humble service 

We our faith and love may prove. 
Love divine, and deep compassion 

Moved the heart of God to give 
Unto us a loving Savior 

That we might repent and live. 

'God so loved that He established 

And prepared a home for all 
Who have found His great salvation 

And obey the Gospel call: — 
Mansions in celestial glory 

Where no evil thing can come, 
Where with holy saints and angels 

We may dwell in peace at home. 

God so loved and made provision 

That His love might be made known 
So that we in turn could love him, 
And become His very own. 
( He through Jesus manifested 
I All the wonders of His love; 

'We in Jesus safe abiding, 
Now await that home above. 

God so loved and keeps on loving 

While eternity endures. 
He has saved and He will keep us, 
i And His Word for us assures 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 7g 

Joy in all its precious fulness; 
Peace that like a river flows; 
Everlasting streams of gladness; 
Rest that no disturbance knows. 
1916. 



LOOK UP 



Look up, my weary brother, 

Away from sin and strife; 
Let not your heart's affections 

Rest in this fleeting life. 
All earthly things must perish, 

Life's treasures pass away: 
Look up ! the Master calls thee 

To realms of endless day. 

Look up beyond the glitter 

Of this false world's affairs; 
Beyond life's dark confusion, 

And self's deceitful snares. 
This world may reel and totter. 

There's rest and peace above: 
God's own eternal heaven. 

Of never-dying love. 

Look up ! life's rugged ladder, 
So steep and hard to climb, 

Will bring you to the borders 
Of Beulah land sublime. 



8o POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Beneath you loathsome demons 
Are tempting you to fall; 

Above you holy angels 
In tones of pity call. 

Look up, be not discouraged: 

The bow of promise bright 
Appears against a background 

Of clouds as dark as night. 
'But if with downcast vision 

'We grope for earthly things, 
The bow that spans the heavens 

For us no comfort brings. 

Look up, a silvery lining 

Adorns the darkest clouds; 
Beyond the mist of doubting 

That now your life enshrouds : 
The star of hope is shining, 

And cloudless are the skies: 
Look up ! and then press onward 

To win the glorious prize. 

Wealth, fame, grief, joy and sorrow,- 

All transient things of earth, 
Shall be exchanged for treasures 

Of more enduring worth. 
Look up, my Christian brother, 

Soon we shall cease to roam; 
Christ waiting stands to welcome 

The weary wanderer home. 
1885. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 8i 

LOOK UP AND LIVE 



How many things around us here, 
Amid life's ever changing scenes; 

Things that we see and that we hear, 
That fill our minds and are the means 

Of lifting into higher light, 

Or dark'ning more with Error's blight. 

-False views of life distort the mind, 
Subvert the powers of the soul. 

And men, to their 'best interests blind, 
Lose life's appointed heavenly goal. 

Through misdirected energy 

Men lose their highest destiny. 

Mere worldly pleasures oft allure, 

Or gold's false glitter blinds our eyes. 

Until we fail to see the pure 

And nobler things in higher skies; 

Thus vain and sordid things of earth 

Engulf a life of heavenly birth. 

Shall we with muck-rake in our hands 
Note all the filth and trash below? 

Or shall we, heeding heaven's demands. 
Seek food whereby our souls may grow? 

To what shall we attention give — 

Look down and die? Look up and live? 



82 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Oh, may our eyes the good and true 
And beautiful in life behold, 

And daily gain a fairer view 

Of things more precious far then gold; 

Absorbing virtue from above, 

Increase in Faith and Hope and Love. 



LIFE'S PURPOSE 



"I live for those who love me," 

For those who hate me too; 
For the smiles and frowns that greet me 

Because I dare to do 
The right as God reveals it 

Unto my soul each day, 
While striving still to follow 

The Savior all the way. 

To live without a purpose 

Would be a living death, — 
Dishonoring my Savior 

With each life-giving breath. 
The grandest, noblest purpose — 

To heed the heavenly call, 
And follow only Jesus 

'Who gave His life for all. 

He left the joys of heaven 

His enemies to save; 
His blood He shed to purchase 

What we by grace may have; 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 83 

To point the way to heaven 

His mission was to live : 
His death brought life immortal 

To all who will believe. 

To follow in His footsteps 

And heed no other guide; 
To live by His example, 

Whatever may betide, 
Means to possess His spirit 

And tender love, and then, 
In humble self-denial 

To serve our fellow-men. 

Lord, for the good of others 

My life to thee I'd give, 
Since even here 'tis better 

To give than to receive. 
Then help us to be faithful, 

Constrained by love alone, 
Whate'er our work, be ready 

For thy sweet words, "Well done." 



TO EVERY MAN HIS WORK 



Luke 13:34. 
Lo, by the wise 'behest of heaven 
To every man his work is given. 
A work assigned to every one 
To be fulfilled, or left undone— 
To every man his work. 



84 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

A sacred trust hath every heart; 
Each in life's drama acts a part; 
A work for every one to do — 
Some worthy object to pursue — 
To every man his work. 

The work that God points out to me 
I may not shirk and leave for thee. 
Thy work God knoweth ; from thy hand 
Account thereof He will demand, — 
To every man his work. 

However humble be thy lot; 
Wealthy or poor, it matters not; 
Whate'er thy name, where'er thou art, 
God calls to thee, "Act well thy part" — 
To every man his work. 

In Church or State; at home, abroad, 
All are accountable to God. 
He placed us here to help fulfill 
His grand design, — obey His will, — 
To every man his work. 

So every one account must give 
Of his own deeds. We all receive 
A talent which we may improve 
While on life's busy stage we move — 
To every man his work. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 85 

To each the call, "Take up thy cross," — 
A great reward, — a fearful loss ; 
Which shall it be at that great day 
When earthly scenes have passed away? 
To every man his pay! 



CHRISTIAN PERSEVERANCE 



To confess our Lord and Savior 

Is a step upon the road 
That will lead to heav'nly mansions 

In the city of our God. 
But that happy destination 

Lies not at the entrance here, — 
It is found by faithful pilgrims — 

Those who daily persevere. 

Christian zeal and perseverance 

Must be welded into one 
By the love which God the Father 

Sheds upon us through His Son: 
Thus we may endure in patience, 

And our joy may be complete. 
While we learn life's needful lessons 

At the blessed Savior's feet. 

Taking up the cross which Jesus 
Tells us now in love to bear, 



86 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Means a life of self-denial 
Every day and everywhere: 

Seeking first the heavenly kingdom, 
Faithful, steadfast, ever true, 

Knowing that our Lord is able 
To protect and keep us, too. 

To profess to live for Jesus 

Means to live for Him each day: 
Means a life that's consecrated 

In whate'er we do or say: — 
Step ;by step to walk with Jesus, 

Never faltering by the way. 
Till we reach the heavenly city 

In the light of endless day. 
1903. 



WORK AND WAIT 



The sower when 'his seed is sown 

Must wait full many a night and day 
Ere he can reap the golden sheaves. 

And for his toil receive his pay. 
With hopeful heart he scatters first 

The precious seed upon his fields, 
Then waits, — and after many days 

A rich reward his labor yields. 

'What if the sower's faith should fail? 
By giving way to doubts and fears. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 87 

Should greedily withhold the seed 
Because no quick result appears? 

Or having sown, refuse to wait 
The gradual growths from day to day, 

Until the gladsome harvest time, 

But reap his fields in 'blooming May? 

Oh, what a folly, do you say? 

And yet how oft are we inclined 
To yield to silly doubts and fears, 

And cease to work with willing mind. 
Or, having done our Master's work, 

Because no quick result appears. 
Our faithless hearts refuse to wait. — 

We murmur and repine in tears. 

The noblest work that we can do 

Earns not for us a home above ; 
They also serve who stand and wait, — 

Whose hearts repose in faith and love. 
A restful faith at Jesus' feet 

His smile of sweet approval finds, 
Whilst self-imposed and toilsome care 

The soul to earth's corruption binds. 

But 'tis a glorious privilege 

To labor for our Master here 
Whilst waiting for the promises 

Of rest beyond this earthly sphere; — 
A land of love, that better land — 

A never-ceasing blissful state; 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Then faint not, O ye weary ones, 
But learn to labor and to wait. 



GOD OWNS ALL THINGS 



How prone we are to call the many things our 
own 
Which God has kindly lent us for our use: 
Forgetting that we're wholly on His bounty 
thrown, 
We oft His higher claims and rights abuse. 
God owns all things, and as He spreads His gifts 
around 
Each crowds and struggles for the largest sliare, 
Unmindful that the weaker ones are trodden down. 
Or that the poor are robbed beyond repair. 

I 
To God in truth belongs the wealth of land and 

sea; 
He causes all ,'Earth's fields to yield their store. 
The treasures of the mine and deep are His, while 
we 
As suppliants for a pittance must implore. 
God owns all things. Yea, man is but a tenant 
here. 
And cannot truly own a rood of soil. 
The pauper's portion with the millionaire 
Is food and clothing gained by care or toil. 

Earth's riches are but ours to hold in trust 
Until the Master calleth for the same: 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 89 

To use 'but not to heap where moth and rust 

Will witness 'gainst the faithless steward's name. 
God owns all things and none are rich but those 
who know 
The goodness, peace, and mercy of our Lord: 
Who've cast their cares on Him from whom all 
blessings flow, 
And live obedient to His Holy Word. 

Vain man ! When wilt thou cease to boast thyself 
as though 

Thy wealth were sure and thy possessions great? 
Thou dost not even own a breath of air, and lo. 

In one short hour may vanish thy estate. 
God owns all things. 'Tis folly then for mortal 
man 

To place his trust in things that pass away; 
Far better yield obedience to Jehovah's plan, 

And recognize the rightful Owner's sway. 

O tyrant man! Why still thy fellow man enslave. 

Usurping powers that are not thine to hold.^ 
God will require of thee the precious soul He gave, 

How sad if then that soul for power was sold! 
God owns all things. — O civil magistrates refrain 

From causing needless suffering in your land; 
Nor prostitute your lawful power for selfis'h gain 

If you before the throne of God would stand. 



90 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Self-righteous man, when wilt thou cease to cramp 
and bind 
The conscience of thy humble fellow man? 
Czars, popes, and priests who'd rule the souls of 
men will find 
That faith in God survives a human ban. 
God owns all things. — Each child of God belongs 
to Him 
Who gave it life and guides it on t'he way: 
Though they may flee before their persecutors 
grim 
God will sustain and keep them safe alway. 

The talent that has been entrusted to our care 

Do we improve the same from day to day? 
Or murmur we because perhaps a larger share 

Was given to a friend across the way? 
God owns all things. — This truth should be more 
widely known, 

And for His gifts more grateful should we be: 
Be faithful stewards that when He calleth for His 
own 

It then may be returned with usury. 
1875. 

I Cor. 3:21,22. 

Accepted as the Bride of Christ, God's Son, we see 
All things through Him to us are given too: 

The Present and the Future — all eternity — 
Belongs to those who are God's children true. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 91 

Joint-heirs with Christ, yes, members of God*s 
family ! 
How wonderful, how strange, and yet how true: 
All things are ours: for while our Father's love 
abides 
His bounty will supply us day by day ; 
And mansions in His glorious kingdom Christ pro- 
vides 
When transitory things have passed away. 
1916. 



'BY FAITH YE STAND" 



(H Cor. 1 :24.) 

The just shall live 
By faith ; and without faith no man can ever 
Please Him who holdeth in His hands the issues 
Of Life and Death. Who measures out the present 
And the future, not in reward for actions 
Transient, but as an Allwise Judge who seeth 
And comprehendcth all the inner motives 
That rule the outer life. 

By faith they stand 

Who throug^h the cleansing 'blood of Christ their 
Savior 

Hay€ fouttd their souli' salvation, full and com- 
plete. 

No longer have they need of glittering armor; 

No more do they rely on human prowess; 



92 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

No vile and bloody engine of destruction 
Is worthy of their trust. 

They now detest 
All heathen means and low barbarous customs 
Descended through the darkened lapse of ages, 
And even yet accepted by all nations, 
Which cause vain man to place his trust in armies, 
In ranks of mortals trained for human slaughter; 
In ships of war, in frowning walls and cannon; 
In many fearful engines of destruction 
As though they were his gods! 

Shall we be found 
'Mong those who trust in human power, 
Setting aside the claims of Him who sayeth, 
''Vengeance is mine; I will repay," — as rebels 
Refuse to listen to the will of heaven ; 
E'en trample under foot the words of Jesus, 
And close our hearts against His Holy Spirit, 
And stain our hands with human blood? 
Not such, O Lord, have been thy wise instructions 
To those who seek to follow in thy footsteps. 
Then lift your eyes, O faithless generation. 
And mark the words of ancient holy prophets 
Is not earth's peaceful age of which they've spoken 
Well nigh at hand? Was jt in vain Christ suffered 
Man to redeem that here might be accomplished 
The will of God e'en as 'tis done in. heaven? 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 93 

< 
Kind reader search 

And ponder well the many pure ensamples 
Recorded by Christ's own devout apostles, 
And tell me then what is the Christian's refuge 
When foes arise and fearful dangers threaten? 
Can he repose his confidence in armies, 
Or place his trust in skillful men's devices, 
Ignore God's will and all that's pure and lovely, 
'Giving full scope to all his baser passions. 
That he may slay his enemies in battle 
E'en as the God-less heathen do? 

'Tis founded not — 
This doctrine pure of Christ-like non-resistance, 
On cold indifference to the claims of justice, 
But on the fact that there is One above us, 
A righteous Judge, Divine, All-wise, All-knowing, 
Whose honor's pledged to see that perfect justice 
In His own time is meted out to every one. 
God's children here are not left unprotected 
Since heaven itself stands ready to defend them. 
No more can they depend on carnal weapons, 
Nor have they need of warlike preparations. 
For mightier are the weapons of their warfare 
Throug^h God, their sole and never-failing refuge: 
Demolishing the strongholds of all evil. 
And bringing to subjection every passion 
Till every thought shall render due obedience 
To Christ the Holy One. 



94 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

CHRISTIANITY REQUIRES PEACE*^ 



God's Holy prophets long foretold 

That cruel wars must cease — 
That Christ the Shep'herd for his fold, 

'Would bring a reign of peace : 
When men would walk in the light of the Lord, 
And no more desire to life up the sword : 
When none need quake at the fierce battle's roar, 
For nations should not learn war any more, 

But follow the paths of peace. 

List to the song of Bethlehem, 

The joyful sound prolong; 
Lo! "On earth peace, good will toward men,'' 

This was the angel's song. 
When the Prince of Peace, our Savior was 'born,. 
To proclaim that peaceable kingdom's morn. 

The gospel of peace He freely revealed, 

Yea, with His own blood His Testament sealed. 

To redeem the world from wrong. 

What were the doctrines He did preach? 
What saith His holy Word? 



♦This poem was written while the author was a "shut- 
in" invalid. He was unable even to sit up in his bed* 
while writing, and for three years unable to walk: 
across his room. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 95 

Did Jesus His disciples teach 

To wield the hloady sword? 
O no; but he said they should bless and love 
Their enemies, and be harmless as doves. 
Christ, lowly in heart, meek, merciful, kind. 
Left none but gracious examples behind: — 

So we should follow the Lord. 

No law of peace you'll find so good, 

Seardhing the wide world through, 
As, Do to others as you would 

That they should do to you. 
All those who will search the Scriptures can see, 
That true disciples we never can be, 
Unless we possess Christ's Spirit which leads 
Us now to repay men's evil deeds, 

With deeds that are good and true. 

He came to save the lives of men, 

Then why should we destroy? 
When men accept Christ's Spirit, then 

They'll find true peace and joy. 
He told His disciples to "Put up the sword," 
He taught by his deeds as well as his word. 
The Author of peace — he taught us to pray 
For our enemies too, but not to slay, — 

To forgive and not destroy. 

Mow can men be so blind in this 
Clear peaceful gospel light. 



96 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

As to believe and say, It is 

The Christian's legal right 
To forge the instruments of carnal strife, 
And learn the fiendish art of taking life! 
With sword and gun join in the mad aff ray- 
To kill his fellow men in every way — 

May God save us from this sight! 

Come, blessed time, seen from afar 

By holy seers of old, 
When none shall sanction deeds of war 

Within the Christian fold. 
Oh, When shall appear the glorious day, 
When carnage and strife shall have passed away?' 
When all men on earth love the Prince of peace,.. 
And obey his Gospel — then wars will cease, 

'Tis the hope we firmly hold. 

Lord, cleanse us now from every thought 

Of violence and strife; 
Help us to serve thee as we ought, 

And live a peaceful life. 
We pray t'hee to cause all rulers and kings 
To humble themselves, and follow the things 
That cherish sweet peace :^to obey thy word;: 
Forever to stay the murderous sword. 

And cease from carnal strife. 

1874. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 97 

"SWEAR NOT AT ALL" 



''Swear not at all." Thus taught the Son 
Of God, the pure and holy One, 
Whose words with truth are ever rife; 
Who for a ransom gave His life — 
Man to restore from Adam's fall — 
Yes, Jesus said, "Swear not at all." 

"Swear not at all." In times of old 
Before Christ came truth to unfold. 
Oaths were allowed, and men would bind 
Themselves with solemn vows to find 
Their perjured souls could not o'bey, 
But Jesus taught a better way : 

Swear not at all, whate'er you do, 
Oaths cannot make your words more true. 
Speak words of promise with a "y^^>" 
And when denying answer, "nay;" 
But keep your lips from words profane, 
They come of evil and are vain. 

"Swear not at all," said Christ, and James, 

His true disciple, too, proclaims 

The same divine command, for, see, 

"Above all things swear not," said he. — 

And are not here forbidden both 

The statesman's and t'he ruffian's oath? 



98 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

"Swear not at all" includes all kinds 
Of oaths, and how the swearer finds 
A way to reconcile his word 
With these plain teachings of our Lord 
I know not, for to great and small 
Comes ttiis command, "Swear not at all." 

''Swear not at all." Then while we live 
O let us due obedience give 
To this command, so firm and plain. 
No "legal oaths" or words profane 
From Christian lips should ever fall 
Since Jesus said, "Swear not at all." 



COUNT THE BLESSINGS 



Count the blessings, count the 'blessings 

That are sent thee from above ; 
Pass not lightly o'er thy comforts ; 

Notice every gift of love. 
Mark each lovely, green oasis 

Strewn along life's desert way; 
Do not 'borrow future sorrow: 

Count the blessings of today. 

See t'he many scenes of beauty 
Spread around thee everywhere: 

Fruitful plains, majestic mountains, 
All do show the Master's care. 

Luscious fruits and cooling fountains 
Ready for the wants of man: 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 9^ 

Count the blessings all around fhee, — 
Canst thou all their numbers scan: 

Think of all the untold blessings 

Clustered round our homes today; 
Think of friends and precious kindred 

Sent to cheer us on our way. 
And though earthly ties be broken, .••-j 

And our fondest hopes decay, ♦ •-' 

Count them blessings, hearts to soften^ 

Leading us from earth away. 

'Tis the humble Christian's duty J 

To proclaim the gifts of God; 
And to thank the blessed Giver 

Though He send the chastening rod : 
For our trials, too, are blessings — 

Richest blessings in disguise — 
Then cheer up, my weary brother, 

And no longer droop thine eyes ! 

Let us note each daily blessing; 

Thus we may each other cheer 
While upon our upward journey, 

Until Caanan's shores appear. 
Count the blessings, count the blessings; 

Garner up the precious store. 
And we'll find we have good reasons 

To rejoice for evermore! 
1873. 



100 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

FEET WASHING* 



(Spiritual Signification of the Ordinance) 

All ordinances have their place, 

Yet outward form alone 
Can never bring true happiness, 

Nor for mistakes atone. 
The substance we must truly first discern 
Ere we can fully from the shadow turn, — 
The meaning of Christ's solemn question learn : 

"Know ye what I have done?" 

What does it mean to us today? 

What do we find therein? 
A foot-sore brother needs our help — 

Where should our work begin? 
The outward washing deeper things implieth, — 
Truth sanctifies and he that truth denieth 
Can have no part with Him whose blood supplieth 

The remedy for sin. 

See how the Highest One could stoop 
The lowliest task to do ; 



*The writer believes that every religious ordinance has a 
spiritual signification. The disciples certainly knew 
that their Lord and Master had washed their feet, 
(literally), yet He questioned their understanding of 
the meaning of that washing: "Know ye what I 
have done to you?" And in concluding His explana- 
tions and instructions, He said, "If ye know these 
things" (the things I have taught you) "happy are 
ye if ye do them." 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS loi 

The Master fill the servant's place 

To teach a lesson true: 
No useful work nor hum'ble service can 
Degrade the life of any Christian man; 
Caste has no place in heaven's perfect plan, — 

Where Love makes all things new^. 

Our Lord and Master said that we 

Should wash each other's feet. 
The "natural man" may not perceive 

Herein the truth complete. 
Yet Jesus' words with truth are overflowing, 
And lessons pure and warm therein are glowing — 
*^Go cultivate the seeds I have been sowing — 

Wash one another's feet." 

The sinful soul must first be washed 

In Jesus' precious blood 
Ere he can claim the Christian's name — 

Be reconciled with God. 
He that is washed is clean then altogether, 
And needeth but to wash his feet which, gather, 
While trav'ling here, impurities which smother 

That which is pure and good. 

The fields that lie along our path 

Grow tares as well as wheat. 
And traces of the evil one 

At every step we meet ; 
*Mong pits and snares our journey oft requires 
Stern vigilance, and oft the pilgrim tires 



102 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

By reason of the many rocks and briars 
That wound his way-worn feet. 

The Lord hath washed my sins away 

And cleansed my heart, I know; 
Should I deny this truth, I must 

Deny my Savior too; 
Yet while I try to shun the paths of evil 
My feet are liable to slip ; the devil 
At times doth cause me to be rude, uncivil — 

What, brother, shall I do? 

I would not travel here alone, 

For fellowship is sweet; 
The roads are roug^h and oft I find 

My steps are indiscreet ; 
But if I stumble in thy sight, — O brother, 
Go not straightway and tell it to another, 
But come to me and be in truth a brother; 

O come and wash my feet! 

Our blessed Savior said that we 

Should wash each other's feet. 
Thus we should help each other here 

To do that which is meet. 
None faultless are, but wliile we seek perfection, 
Let none secrete their ways from truth's inspection, 
Nor e'er despise a brother's mild correction. 

But wash each other's feet. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 103 

CHRISTMAS TIME 



Time in its unceasing rounds 
Brings again the sights and sounds 
To our minds, which long ago 
Filled men's hearts with joy or woe; 
And as every season brings 
To our mem'ry former things, 
Holiest thoughts — themes most sublime 
Are reserved for Christmas time. 

^'Merry Christmas," now we hear 
Spoken from the heart to cheer 
Every heart th-at gladly sings 
W'hat the old, old story brings : 
How the angel voices sweet 
Filled the air with joy complete 
When the Holy Child was given 
To prepare our souls for heaven. 

More than eighteen hundred years 
With their streams of bitter tears 
Fail to dim the truth which then 
Brought sweet peace, — good will to men. 
*'Peace on earth;" God willed it so; 
Peace to all the world below: 
Unto us His Son was given, 
Bringing peace and joy from heaven. 



104 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Holy prop'hets who of old 
The advent of Christ foretold 

Bade mankind with joy to sing 
Praises to the coming King. 
How much more should we today ,- 
Walking in Salvation's way — 
Bid all nations, every clime, 
To rejoice in "Christmas time." 



^te ftof)ltd)e ^otfdjnfh 



„Srreben aiif ©rbcn!" iDoI)I moditen bie @ngel 
©i(f) freuen unb ftngen aU btcfe.§ gcfrf^a^; 

©ie froI)Ii(^fle 33otf(^aft bie je tear gef^rod)en 
SSar eilenb berfiinbigt mit §alleliij[a! 

,,Srieben auf ©rbert!" — o! felige ©tunben: 

^alb fatten bie §trten ha§> ^inblein gefitnben 
Sn SKinbeIn getDidtelt — in ^ernut befletbet, 
Sm ^ri^^elein liegen, mit ©ottl^eit Berettet. 

^grteben auf ©rbenl" — ber ^etlanb gefommen 
©etn 3SoIf gu erlofen bon ©iinb' unb bom %ob; 

3u reintgen aUe bie red^t gu il^n fommen, 
Unb fie 3u befreien bon ©djmeraen unb 92ot. 

„Srxeben auf ©rben!" ©ein teuereS Seben, 

S)ie SBelt gu eriofen, l^at S^fuS gegeBen: — 
Um un§> 3u betoal^ren, mit ©atan geftritten, — 
Hm un§ au erf^aren, am ^reuge gelitten! 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 105 

„Sneben Quf ©rben^" — er ift ^lufcrftanben, 
©etn Seiben ift iiber, fcin SSerf ift geton; 

S)er giirft alter giirften, cr !)at iibertDunben; 
Sa er Ifiat gebffnet bte I)immlti(^e 33a!)n. 

„grteben ouf ©rben!" nun laffet un§ fingen, 

2)ie frof)Iic^e SSorte, laffet fie flingen 
Sn aEe SSelt Orten, bei ^ag unb bet dladjt, 
®enn ©^riftu§ fein gndbigeg SSer! 1:)at tioEbrac^t! 

„Srieben auf ©rben!" — er ift ^tufgefaliren, 

Hnb fi^et aU ^onig auf'm f)imntlifd)en X^von; 

@ott ^at if)m gegeben ben l^errlidjften 9^amen, 
S)enn er ift fein treuer unb eingiger ©ol^n. 

„Srieben auf ©rben!" fein SSort ift gefd^rteben, 

Unb felig biejen'ige ibie fidt) barin iilben. 
3ule^t f)at ber §err and} ben Crofter gefenbet - 
3u trbften ein jeber ber'§ ^erg gu xi)m tvexxbtt. 

SSir toeifen fein 3SilIen, — ber SSeg ift bereit, 

^omnxt lafet un§ S&ttt folgen gur etoigen greub! 



NEW YEAR REFLECTIONS 



Another year is left behind; 

Another twelve-month ended; 
Entrusted to our care a while 

But it was only lended. 
Did we with care the past improve, 

Or did we mar its beauty? 



io6 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

'Say, did we shirk the Master's work, 
Or did we do our duty? 

Our actions in the Book of time 

Indelibly are recorded ; 
What the result, — our works, should they 

Be punished or rewarded? 
The past can no more be recalled ; — 

Each in the present liveth ; 
The Future's in the hands of Him 

Who justest verdict giveth. 

The lesson of the Past is this: 

Here we have tribulation 
If we would stand then we must wear 

The helmet of salvation. 
Waste not our precious days and years 

Merely in things external, 
But heed the words of faithful Paul, 

"Lay hold on life eternal." 

Then we can praise our Savior still, — 

Be joyful e'en in sorrow; 
Not fearing what the Future brings, — 

God careth for the morrow: 
Forget those things that are behind, 

The present Heaven sendeth; 
Press on until we reach the goal, — 

A year that never endeth. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 107 

OUR HEAVENLY HOME 



Our earthly life how incomplete ! 
We daily part no more to meet 

Our nearest, dearest friends below; 
We form sweet friendships; then, alas, 
To other scenes we quickly pass. 

And other faces learn to know. 

What joy to meet true friends of yore; 
But soon we part to meet no more 

In this our weary pilgrimage. 
Companionships we deemed most true 
Dissolve and quickly fade from view, — 

Alone the wars of life we wage. 

Dear ones whose hearts are knit to ours, 
Who've stood by us in darkest hours, 

Who've shared our ev'ry joy and pain, 
By death are rudely snatched away — 
Vain all our tears — they cannot stay, 

Where are they now? we seek in vain. 

A few more days or years at most 
Then all the good of w'hich we boast 

In earth-life's strange uncertain race. 
Is left behind, — we pass away 
Like grass that withers in a day. 

While others haste to take our place. 



io8 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

And is this all of life there is? 
Is man's grand destiny in this 

Chaotic term of broken parts? 
Must pure affection's sweetest ties 
A spectre prove to tantalize 

And blast the hopes of trusting hearts? S 

Ah no; thank God, that blissful shore, 
Where loved ones meet to part no more, 

Is not a poet's idle dream! — 
Beyond this life of sighs and tears 
A home of endless joy appears — 

Life's source itself, a crystal stream. 

i 

There endless joy and bliss complete 
Are realized by those who meet 

Around God's throne to sing His praise; 
There all whom Christ has cleansed and freed 
From every sinful thought and deed 

Will meet and happy be always. 

Then shall life's mysteries be revealed, 
And many things to us now sealed 

Made plain in heav'n's eternal day. 
With thankful hearts we then shall know 
Our sorest trials here below 

Were sent to teach God's perfect way. 

True saints in glory there shall reign, 
And friends long parted meet again 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS lo? 

To live in love and rest in peace. 
There none shall feel or see a tear; 
There every thought of grief or fear 

Is lost in joys that never cease. 

O ! blessed hope — Christ's loved ones all 
Shall meet in peace — no party v^all 

Can be erected on that shore. 
With Jesus there v^^e'll be at home 
Where pain and sickness never come, 

And death is banished evermore. 

Sv^eet heavenly home, prepared for all 
Who now accept the Savior's call, 

And live c^bedient to God's v^ord. 
O glorious thought, from death to rise 
On angel v^ings to mount the skies 

And be forever with the Lord! 



PASSING ON 



Upon Life's stage we enter one by one, 

To take the place of others who've passed on 

To other fields of labor, or to find 

Things hidden from the finite human mind, 

Beyond the veil that hides the Future's face, 

From whence no traveler may his steps retrace. 

The Past was theirs, the Present is our own; 

We live, but not unto ourselves alone, 



no POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

For others all around us come and go 
Whose lives we ever touch for weal or woe; 
We meet, we act, and then we, too, pass on — 
We meet and then pass on. 

In memory's secret chambers, held in store, 
Are treasures rare o'er which our minds oft pore; 
Remembrances of those our hearts hold dear, 
Whose forms no more before our eyes appear, 
Since they've passed on to that vast unknown 

bourne 
From whence no traveler ever may return. 
Brief was their stay, their earthly race is run; 
Bequeathed to us the work Which they've begun; 
The burdens they have laid aside are ours ; 
We take their place a few short days or hours 
To labor in the Present time — ^the Past is gone — 
And then we, too, pass on. 

Pass on to where? What is our destiny? 
And what our portion in eternity? 
Is life a dream, and may we never know 
.From whence we came and whither we shall go? 
lS[o, Life is real, and faith in things divine 
Heav'ns light reveals — d. radiant light to shine 
-Along our way, (dispelling doubts and fears,) 
Which brighter grows with passing days and years. 
Until with joy we yield to those who come 
To take our place, since now we know at home, 
In heaven we'll meet beloved ones passed on, 
j\nd nevermore pass on. 



MISCELLANEOUS 



MISUNDERSTOOD 



Misunderstood? Your actions misconstrued? 
Your plainest words fail to convey 
Just what you mean and try to say? 

Discouraged quite, you now almost conclude 
To 'hold your peace and go your way? 

Misunderstood? Consider, friend; can you 
Always perceive what other men 
Would say to you by voice or pen? 

And when you would their sentiments review,. 
Rightly repeat the "same again ? 

Misunderstood? Earth's only perfect Man^. 

Who taught by words and actions too. 

Was crucified because so few 
Could understand : men failed to see the plarr 

And purpose that He had in view. 

i 
How true it is, we only "know in part." 

But what we know of truth and rig^t 

We must declare as in God's sight, 
Let come w'hat will ; the honest, upright heart 

Dare not conceal its highest light. 
1915. 



112 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

OPPOSED TO EDUCATION 



Opposed to education? 

You know not what you say. 
You call t'hat education 

Which leads some minds astray 
Where skepticism welcomes 

The "higher critic's" blight, 
And men seek ease of conscience 

By shutting out the light ! 

A puffing up with knowledge 

Is not to educate: 
An empty bag looks bigger 

If wind its folds inflate. 
No, education proper 

Is not a filling in, 
'Much more a growth and training 

Of faculties within. 

To educate the muscles 

Develops working power 
And skillful manual laborers 

Are needed every hour. 
The physical unguided 

By mental powers trained 
Is but a brutal menace 

Of evil unrestrained. 

And mental education. 
Legitimate and real. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS iij 

Must likewise still be subject 

To heaven's higher ideal : 
The lower to the higher 

Must ever yield control 
To gain true peace and order 

'Tween body, mind, and soul. 

Thus harmony established 

The faculties of man 
Can work in sweet accordance 

With heaven's perfect plan. 
Hence education proper 

Can only be complete 
When all our gifts and talents 

Creation's purpose meet. 

Opposed to education? 

Ah, no; but you may be 
Opposed to your conception — 

To what your mind can see. 
Then educate your talents, 

And gain a 'broader view, — 
Be able to distinguish 

Between the false and true. 

S^tember 2, 1915. 



114 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

WAR 



War; who can tell in language plain 
Just what it is and does and how 
Those who engage therein can prove 
Themselves as fully justified; 
Or reasons give that satisfy 
The logical, unbiased mind, 
When all the evidence is giv'n, 
Both pro and con? 

The school hoy sees 
How veterans of former wars 
Are praised and lauded to the skies. 
And in the hooks that help to mold 
His plastic mind for good or ill. 
He reads how men in former days 
Won great renown on bloody fields 
Of war by slaying fellow men; 
Yea, history's pages honoring those 
Whose hands were stained with human blood 
Far more than godly men who lived 
To bless and save their fellow men 
From sin and all its miseries. 

The young man sees 
A gorgeous picture on the wall 
With glowing and seductive words 
Portraying army life: A life of ease. 
Freed from restraints and cares of home; 
With rations fine and steady pay; 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 115 

Tfomotion sure with 'honors great. 
Encamped with jolly comrades now, 
Then roving over lands and seas 
To see the world without expense 
Clad in fine raiment that commands 
Respect from all he meets. 

Perchance he sees 
A grand procession on the street 
With silken banners waving high 
.And glittering weapons proudly borne 
By stalwart soldiers keeping step 
To martial music's siren call — 
To piercing fife and rattling drum 
That fill the air, and thrill the soul; 
Deluding" youthful eyes and ears 
With wild appeals to honors great 
Of valor and renown. 

These things serve as a mask 
To hide the hideous face of war : 
As artful snares or subtle schemes 
To blind the noble and the brave 
Until they yield themselves as slaves 
To serve the god of war; as willing slaves 
To serve the cruel god of war. 

From whence come wars? 
From evil passions in the heart; 
From lust of power; from greed of gain; 
.From pride that will not brook restraint; 



ii6 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

From jealousy; from hatred vile 
That seeks revenge for fancied wrongs^ 
And scorns submission to a just 
And righteous Judge. 

Where national life is honey-combed 

And weakened by these germs of death, 

A tiny spark will quickly spread 

Into a roaring holocaust. 

War's fever strikes officials high 

And courses through the nation's veins; 

Crowned rulers lightly cast aside 

The solemn treaties they have made 

To honor and respect the rights 

Of other nations everywhere. 

Yea, sacred pledges now are but 

As "paper scraps" flung to the wind. 

A call goes forth, 'To arms ! to arms ! 

Arise, defend the fatherland!" 

A change comes o'er the soldier's dreams; 

No more his life a dress parade; 

His manhood sold — war's dupes and slaves 

A million strong are hurled against 

Another nation's millions who 

Likewise, defend their fatherland. 

All fight to save their fatherland ! 

Now heaven's command, *Thou shalt not kill,**' 
Becomes a "scrap of paper" too; 
All Christian virtues must be crushed; 
The sense of right and wrong ignored, 
And Love replaced by Hate. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 117 

With such conditions, how 
Shall mortal man describe the scene 
Or pen portray the hellish work 
On battle fields where cannons pour 
A metal hail that mows the ranks 
Of thousands in a moment's time; 
Where bursting shells rend earth and sky 
And fast repeating rifles hurl 
Death-dealing missiles everywhere, 
Until the ground is thickly strewn 
With mangled human forms ; Yea heaps on heaps 
The dead and wounded mingled lie, 
While shrieks and groans of dying men 
Find echo in their far-off homes 
In widow's moans and orphans' wails 
With none to comfort or console. 

O horrid monster War ! 
In vain would we enumerate 
The crimes committed in thy name. 
Satan himself could scarcely boast 
Infernal schemes of wider range: 
Thy dreadful dreadnaughts threaten all 
Who dare oppose them on the seas; 
'Neath ocean waves and in the air 
As well as on the fruitful land 
Thy instruments of death combine 
To ruin and destroy the works 
Of peace and smiling industry. 
Cathedrals built to worship God 
Cannot escape thy wrath. The homes 



ii8 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Of poverty and wealth alike 
With fire and sword ithou dost assail. 
Disease and death thy handmaids are, 
And famine follows in thy wake. 

Whate'er the ravages of war, 
Or whence the victor's shouts may rise, 
How diverse the effect must be 
In spiritual realms w'here all the powers 
Of good and evil stand unmixed, 
Each by itself eternally; 
While heaven's holy angels weep 
Hell's demons dance in ghoulish glee! 
From war, Lord, save us evermore! 
Jan., 1915. 



RIGHT TRIUMPHANT* 



"This world is growing worse," you say; 

"It's wickedness hath frightful grown; 
The good old days have passed away, 
The evil days are coming on." 

Some say 'tis worse than e'er before! 
For man a curse must be in store! 

Please hold, my friends, your words mislead. 
Reflect a moment — for 'tis plain, 



*The writer does not claim to understand all "unfulfilled 
prophecy;" and he does not pretend to be able to 
explain just how and when the "Millennium" will be 
brought about; but he does believe that all the 
promises in God's Word will some time and in some 
way be literally fulfilled. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 119 

If what you say is true indeed 

Then Christ our Savior died in vain : 
Man to reclaim and save from sin 
Christ Jesus came — can He not win? 

God loved the world and gave His Son 

To save mankind from sin and death; 
The work of grace long since begun 
Progresses still at every hreath. 

In God's own time earth shall be freed 
From every crime and sinful deed. 

You say the world increases more 
In wickedness and fearful crimes; 
Look back, my friends, to days of yore, 
Compare our own with former times : 
Read hist'ry's page, for there 'tis shown 
No brighter age was ever known. 

Would you exchange our present days 

For those in which brave Stephen died? 
At once conform to Jewish ways 
Or else be stoned or crucified? 
Would you prefer old Jewish laws 
To modern courts with all their flaws? 

Would you give up your books and schools 

And live in ignorance as slaves? — 
Submit to bloody Nero's rules 

Or find in beasts of prey your graves? 



120 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Which would you choose, Rome's ancient 

power 
Or freedom of the present hour? 

Again, would you go back to live 

In days when inquisitions throve, 
And at the stake be tburned alive 

Because the Christian faith you love? 
Or if to die you courage lack 
Your faith deny upon the rack? 

Or tell me, please, would you prefer * 

The "good old days" of feudal power 
When trials by fire "good customs" were, 
And every homestead reared its tower? 
When lands and laws were held by lords 
Who plead their cause with spears and 
swords ? 

And yet again, would you exchange 

Our present times for others when 
Dark superstitions — witchcraft strange — 
Formed the belief of many men? — 

When women were both hung and drown'd 
Although no crime in them was found? 

True, there are evils in our age 

Which all true Christians must deplore, 

'Gainst which good men are called to wage 
A Christian warfare as of yore; 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS I2i 

But truth is strong and must prevail, — 
God's righteous purpose cannot fail. 

Immortal light is breaking throug'h 

Since Jesus' resurrection hour; 
Improved conditions here are due 

To our Redeemer's wondrous power. 
Whoever then denies the same 
His words defame the Savior's name. 

Not Evolution's utmost height 
Nor Culture's brightest aim 
Can Earth restore from Satan's blight 
Or man from sin reclaim. 
The Judge of all the Earth alone 
Knows when and how His work is done. 

Thoug'h Evil may predominate, 

Or for a time prevail, 
Good can await the ultimate. — 
God's triumph cannot fail : 
His over-ruling power can 
Bring praise e'en through the wrath of man. 

And truly grateful should we be 

That we are living in a time 
When men to worship God are free, 

Which proves the Gospel's march sublime: 
And onward still the ages run 
Till God's own will on earth is done. 



122 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

As we look back to ages past, 

And shudder at man's darkened days 
So men in future times will cast 
A look on our "enlightened ways," — 
Surprised indeed that Christians could 
In battle shed each other's blood! 

Each changing season nearer brings 

The blissful time which shall restore 
Our race from all its wanderings, 

Wihen feuds and wars shall be no more,- 
When Satan and his hosts are slain 
And Love sublime alone shall reign. 

Sectarian strife must be o'erthrown, — 

Religious controversies cease. 
One Shepherd and one flock alone 
Shall dwell upon the earth in peace. 
All nations fall before God's throne ; 
Earth's kingdoms all become His own ! 



WHAT IS TRUE GREATNESS? 



The world has pointed to her heartless conquerors, 
To those who ruined States themselves to ele- 
vate. 
Whose life-work formed a long and bloody list of 
wars, 
And praised their wicked deeds and called then? 
great. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 123 

And shall we now, \Vho love the Blessed Prince of 

Peace, 

Look with indifference on this shameful wrone? 

Nor raise our voices 'till such misplaced praise 

shall cease, 

And deeds of blood be placed where they belong? 

'Shall we bestow high honors on the sons of Mars 
Who plunge the world in anarchy and crime? 

The pure whose actions teach the world to cease 
from wars, 
They shall be honored to the end of time. 

No Alexander shall our hearty praises win, 
Nor do we covet bloody Caesar's fame; 

But those whose noble aim shall be to conquer sin, 
They only shall receive a glorious name. 

True greatness lieth not in killing fellow men; 

No ! let the world her verdict now unsay : 
The greatest One this world has ever seen — 

His mission was to save and not to slay. 

The truly great are those whose faith ne'er waxeth 
dim 

When trials come and Satan's wiles molest; 
Who murmur not but faithfully abide in Him, 

Who leads them on to victory and rest. 



124 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

The humble soul that can his brother's wrongs for- 
give, 
And follow still his Master's footsteps when 
Scorned and despised by those who for vainglory 
live, 
Deserves a name among the greatest men. 

i 
And no more shall we call that human being great 

'Wthose glory is in 'battle men to slay. 
But holy men, whose hearts are free from sinful 
hate, 
Will find a name that cannot pass away. 



THE QUAKER MAIDEN'S LAMENT; 

or, 

THE CRUEL WORK OF WAR 



Founded on an incident that occurred in North 
Carolina during the American Civil War. 

The cruel work of War 

'I never can forget, 
For life was bright and full of light 

'Before my sun had set. 

But now I'm all alone. 

My life is full of fears, 
For I have here no mother dear 

To kiss away my tears. 

My father too is gone. 
He was so good and kind; 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 125 

He taught me to be kind and true, — 

God's holy Book to mind. 

And often he would read 

What Christ has said and done, — 
"Twas not His will that we should kill 

Or injure any one. 

But cruel soldiers came 

And bound my father dear 
They took him from our happy home, — 

Then all was dark and drear. 

When mother's sickness came 

The doctor could not save; 
The sexton said that she was laid 

Within a pauper's grave. 

The war is over now 

But father has not come ; 
The soldiers said that he was laid 

Within a coward's tomb. 

They say this wrong because 

Dear father would not fight : 
"Twas not his will at all to kill, — 

He meant to do the right. 

O have the soldiers then 
No holy Book to read, 
To teach them to be kind and true, 
And shun each cruel deed? 
You say they have the Book, — 
It can not toe the same ; 



126 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

They could not do war's deeds I knovr 
In Jesus' holy name! 

Dear Savior, take my hand; 

Keep, guide and comfort me. 
I know I am thy little lamb; 

O take me home to thee. 

And then no more alone 

An orphan sad I'll roam; 
With parents dear and angels fair 

I'll find a peaceful home. 



THE CHRISTIAN'S ONLY FOE; 
A Reply to Ernst Lissauer's "Hymn of Hate** 



(While the poem here referred to is generally known- 
as "Germany's Hymn of Hate," it would evidently be 
unjust to judge the whole German nation by the hasty 
expression of one individual, especially since we are 
told that the author himself now regrets that he wrote 
it. On the other hand, while we may not all be able to- 
make the sentiments embodied in "The Christians' Only 
Foe" our own, no one will deny that the ideal Church 
of Christ, judging by the teachings of the New Testa- 
ment and the example of the primitvie Christians, caoii 
never accept a lower standard.) 

Whatever your race or country may be 
We never shall act as your enemy. 
You may treat us well, you may treat us ill,. 
As your fellow men, we will love you still. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 127 

War's cannon and swords we use them not — 
■*^A kiss for a blow/* but never a shot ! 
As citizens of a heavenly state, 
We have but one and only hate. 
We love all men, we hate but one; 

We have one foe, and one alone. 

I 
) 

"He's known to you all ; yes, known to you all ; 

Full of envy and rage, of craft and gall. 

Arch enemy of the whole human race, 

IHe is doomed to stand at God's judgment place. 
Come hear the word, repeat the word. 
Throughout the world let it be heard : 
We're pledged to fight our only foe. 
Author of sin, of strife and of woe. 
We love all men, we hate but one, 
We have one foe and one alone — Satan! 

'His aim is the good and the pure to slay 
And capture the souls of men for his prey. 
'Then listen, O people, wherever you stand, 
'Whatever your language, nation or land : 

All men must fig'ht our common foe 

Or share his doom — eternal woe! 

Then figlit not men with bronze and steel — 

Let Cod His love in you reveal. 

^We love all men, we hate but one; 

'We have one foe and one alone — ^Satan ! 



128 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

O mortals of earth, by Satan betrayed 
Men rise against men, for 'battle arrayed. 
As murderous foes, regarding not sin, 
Forgetting the foe they harbor within ! 
The only foe we're called to fight 
Knows naught of Love, regards not Rig'ht. 
We fight not men with bronze and steel, 
But come with love your wounds to heal. 
We love all men, we hate but one ; 
We have one foe and one alone — Satan? 



V 



Our God will avenge the wrongs we endure 
While faithful we labor and pray for the poor 
Weak mortals who think themselves mighty and 

strong, 
And able to judge and avenge every wrong. 

For vengeance or for worldly gain 

No 'human blood our hands shall stain. 

We kill not men in carnal strife, 

But wish for all eternal life. 

We love all men, we hate but one ; 

We have one foe and one alone — Satan I 

World-patriots we, one Sovereign Divine 

Reigns over us all, no boundary line 

With fortifications is needed to show 

Whom to greet as a friend or to fight as a foe. 

We sympathize with one and all, 

In humblest cot or regal hall. 

We fight not men to maim and kill. 

But wish for all peace and good will. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 129 

We love all men, we hate but one; 

We have one foe and one alone — Satan ! 

Dec, 1915. 

Written at the time of the great .European War. 



BE KIND TO THE LIVING 



Be kind to the living-, be kind to the living, 

Ere the cold clods of earth o'er their coffins are 
spread, — 
To those that are near thee be mild and forgiving 

But waste not thy flattering words on the dead. 
Be kind to the living. Why heap with abuse 

Poor, sensitive, suffering mortals, I pray, — 
And then load them with praise as soon as they 
lose 

The power of hearing a word that you say! 

Be kind to the living; let wrongs be forgiven 

While those who have injured thee stand by thy 
side: 
Sweet words of forgiveness, oh let them be given 

Ere the penitent soul has crossed the dark tide. 
Be kind to the living; high tombstones can ne'er 

Make amends for harsh treatment bestowed in 
the past; 
Nor eulogies grandest atone for the sneer, 

Or word of derision in mem'ry held fast. 

Be kind to the living. Earth's flowers v^^ere given 
To comfort and brighten our pilgrimage here; 



I30 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

'When earth-life's exchanged for hades or heaven 

Too late then to deck with flowers the bier. 
Sweet flowers of kindness earth's burdens will 
lighten 
If daily their fragrance is breathed in the air; 
Then leave not unspoken the word that may- 
brighten 
A life that is clouded with gloom and despair 

No matter v^hat others are doing or saying, 

'Be kind while thy friends yet around thee are 
seen ; 
When life has departed and forms are decaying 

They'll give thee no thanks for thy sorrow, I 
ween. 
Be kind to the living wherever you go, 

Death to thee then will lose one-half of its dread; 
For no tears of remorse in bitterness flow 

Where love is the motive by which men are led. 



OUR COUNTRY'S SHAME 



An evil great abideth here, 

In this God-favored nation ; 
A baneful thing ; both far and near 

It spreadeth devastation : 
A tyrant reigns, and thousands bow 

In 'slavish subjugation 
While chains are forged whereby they're dragged 

To vilest degradation. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 131 

With shameless face he stalks abroad, 

A mocker by profession; 
Defying God's most sacred laws, 

A foe to man's progression. 
He robs the poor, deludes and bribes 

The highest functionary, — 
His works declare he is in truth 

The Devil's emissary. 

This tyrant ruleth not alone, 

He hath a willing ally 
Who shareth his Satanic throne: 

Together forth they sally. 
A train of woes lies hard behind. 

They give the kiss of treason. 
Then pounce upon the sons of men 

In an unguarded season. 

King Alcohol, this tyrant's name, 

Prince Nicotine, -his ally; . 

Their work the same, their every aim 

And tendency must tally, 
They slowly lead their victims first 

To bondage and submission, 
Then hold them on the downward grade 

That tendeth to perdition. 

They blind the weak and stupefy 
The brightest sons of learning; 



132 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

And at their shrine behold the wealth 
And lives of millions burning! 

The one supplieth fuel dry, 
The other addeth fire, 

Together then they feed the flames 
And build the horrid pyre! 

Hark! hearest thou the orphan's cry, 

The widow's wail of sorrow. 
As fathers, sons and husbands fall. 

Pierced by Rum's fatal arrow? 
Where is our boasted freedom now, 

The hope of former ages? 
While drunkard makers ply their trade 

And share with us their wages ! 

Arise ! O Church of God ! arise ; 

With Christian weapons rally; 
Dethrone the monster Alcohol 

Nor spare his subtle ally. 
And let your battle cry be heard 

Resounding through the nation : 
True Holiness unto the Lord, — 

Man's real emancipation! 

Pass customs old, scorn bribes of gold, 

Spurn compromising offers ; 
Let not immortal souls be sold 

To fill the nation's coffers. 
Not through the skill or power of man 

Is vict'ry fully given, 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 133 



But by the Spirit of the Lord,- 
Man in accord with Heaven. 
1914. 



THE LITTLE BROOKES SONG 



"Tinkle-te-tinkle." What is it I hear? 

A laughing wee brooklet, so sparkling and clear; 

In sunshine and shadow it dances along 

And ever keeps singing its cold-water song. 

"Tinkle-te-tinkle," from the mountain it glides, 
While ever and anon in a cavern it hides. 
'Though rocks rise before it still onward right on 
It ever keeps singing its cold water song. 

Soon down in the meadow more softly it flows, 
Where cowslips are blooming and green pasture 

grows, 
It pauses a while then again hurries on 
To the tune of its merriest cold-water song. 

"Tinkle-te-tinkle" to the ro'bin it sings 

He hears its sweet voice, now he closes his wings ; 

He stoops for a drink, again he is gone 

But I hear his voice join in the cold-water song: 

"Come drink all ye birdies 'tween the earth and 

skies, 
And man I invite to the fount where I rise, 



134 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Drink only pure water, 'be healthy and strong, 
Then thank me you will for my cold-water song." 
1872. 



DEFY LIFE'S STORMS 



Blow, winds, blow! 
Bend ye the leafless trees. 
Yea whistle through the tender twigs, 
And cause the sap to freeze ! 

Blow, winds, blow! 
And sweep adown the street; 
Blockade my path and fill my eyes, 
With cruel snow and sleet ! 

Howl, winds, howl ! 
Howl 'round me as you will; 
Though storms assail on every side, 
I'll find true comfort still. 

Roll, waves, roll ! 
'Waves of affliction roll; 
Ye may engulf my "earthly house," 
Ye cannot quench my soul. 

Rage, storms, rage! 
And wear my frame to dust; 
Despise me all ye "summer friends," 
I have a higher trust. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 135 



Fear not life's storms 
But only do 'God's will; 
'Storms lose their dread when Christ is near 
To whisper ''peace be still." 
Foes may arise, 
And howling storms assail, 
The star of hope breaks through the clouds, 
See, truth and right prevail! 
1875. 



LIVING 

Life spontaneous, full and free, 
Rests not on the things we see. 
What we gain and what we hold, 
Purchased in earth's mart with gold. 
Can not life's real worth enhance 
Or its highest claims advance. 

Springs of action hidden quite. 
And unknown to human sight, 
Wheels of daily living move 
And for good or evil prove 
Deeds that openly ap'pear 
On life's Hial plain and clear. 

Cares of life that fill the day 
Leave no time to watch and pray. 
'Great possessions heaping high 
Selfish lusts to gratify — 



136 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

This is but a living death — 
And a waste of life and breath. 

Plants by growing life express ; 
Men by doing faith confess. 
By our faith we live or die 
As life's days are going by. 
By our actions, right or wrong, 
Life we shorten or prolong. 

As the sun by shining gives 
Lig^ht to everything that lives, 
If the life within is right, 
We may be as rays of light 
Unto others near and far 
Just by livin'g what we are. 

Li'fe is giving and we live 
In proportion as we give 
Unto others of our best — 
Blessing others, we are blest: 
Life abundant, full and free — 
Living for eternity. 



THE SIMPLE LIFE 



We talk about the simple life, 
And think we're very plain. 

But if some simple little child 
Should ask us to explain — 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 137 

Tell how that simple life in us 

By others may be seen — 
We'd hesitate — and hardly know 

Just what we really mean. 

The Pharisee makes rigid rules 

To keep himself "in line," 
He substitutes for inward truth 

Mere outward form — in fine, 
He complicates the simplest things — 

Does some "good work," and then 
A trumpet sounds in order that 

He may be seen of men. 

By "putting on" we may appear 

To be what we pretend; 
Men may deceive and be deceived, 

But God foresees the end. 
'Tis plain we cannot live a life 

That we do not possess ; 
God sees and knows us as we are. 

And not as we profess. 

We read of One, despised of men, 

A lowly Nazarene, 
Who throug'h the common things of life 

Made known the things unseen. 
Along the shores of Galilee, 

O'er hills, through verdant fields, 
He walked and called attention to 

The lessons nature yields. 



138 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

He points us do the lilies fair, 

How they in beauty grow, 
How e'en the 'birds, so free from care, 

God's love and wisdom show: 
No vain display or false pretense, 

Just filling 'God's design 
As sun and moon and twinkling stars 

Exist and simply shine. 

As little children we must be 

In order that we may 
Learn from our heavenly Teacher how 

To walk the narrow way. 
As little children, free from guile, 

Seeking our Father's will, 
Then, guided by His loving hand. 

Creation's purpose fill. 

The simple life t'hat Jesus lived 
' Was Truth personified. 

Where real simplicity exists 

Truth cannot be denied. 
To talk of one's humility 

Denotes the rankest pride ; 
The plain and simple life has naught 
'- To boast of or to hide. 

Beyond compare, divinely fair. 
The Truth, the Life, the Way; 

The only Life that ever lived 
Pure, open as the day. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 139 

He spoke the words of life because 

He was Himself the Word, 
And with authority He taug'ht 

Truths men had never heard. 

How beautiful the simple life, 

That Jesus lived and taught; ^ 

Spontaneous doing of the right, 
Without Law's must or ought. 

His meat and drink to do God's will — 

And only thus may we, 
Partakers of the Christ-life — live 

In true simplicity. 



SEEING THE BEAUTIFUL 



Have you seen the soft wind playing 

O'er a field of growing grain ? 
Have you seen the zigzag lightning 

'Mong the clouds so dark with rain? 
Have you seen the summer showers 

Falling on the thirsty earth? 
Have you seen the happy household 

Gathered round the peaceful hearth? 

Have you seen the spring birds flitting 
'Mong the blooming apple trees? 

Have you seen a field of clover 
Full of honey-seeking bees? 

Have you seen the opening roses 
In the fragrant month of June? 



140 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Have you seen the smiling infant 
Pointing toward the placid moon? 



Have you seen the gentle maiden 

With blue eyes and v^avy hair? 
Have you seen her plucking flowers 

For another one as fair? 
Have you seen a group of children 

Picking berries on the hill? 
Have you seen the starry heavens 

When the midnight air was still? 

Have you seen the buoyant vessel 

Riding on the silvery waves? 
Have you seen the towering mountain 

Whose green foot the river laves? 
Have you seen the rainbow's colors 

When the evening storm passed by? 
Have you seen the quivering oak-leaves 

Pictured 'gainst the sunset sky? 



Have you seen a field of tender, 

Tasseling maize, with silken ears? 
Have you seen a friend that's faithful 

When adversity appears? 
Have you seen a strong and true man 

Who loved God with all his heart? 
And beheld 'him loving woman 

With a love devoid of art? 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 141 

Have you seen a congregation 

Of true Christians, full of love — 
All harmoniously united 

To obey their King above? 
If you have seen one or many 

Of these things, and given heed, 
You have seen that which is very, 

Very beautiful indeed. 



FRIENDSHIP 



"Ye are my friends." — Jesus. 

O tell me not that friendship's ties 
Are frail and doomed to sever; 

True friendship every storm defies 
And lives and blooms forever. 

False friends, like fickle butterflies. 
Are near in sunny weather; 

Their sickly friendship quickly dies 
When storms around us gather. 

When trials come true friendship's ties 

Increase in loving power: 
United hearts e'er ways devise 

To light the darkest hour. 

Kind reader, did'st thou ever taste 
The bitter fruits that follow 



142 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

When confidence has been misplaced, 
And friends prove false and hollow? 

'Grieve not for such, the sacred name 

Of Friend belongeth never 
To one so heartless — void of shame, 

Affection's bonds to sever. 

*Mong friends deserving of the name 

Affection ever bideth ; 
Sunshine or storm, they're still the same, 

Nor death the bond divideth. 

May Friends'hip true life's joys combine 
Our burdens here to lighten ; 

That Faith may grow and Love divine 
Our pathway ever brighten. 



THE KING'S ROSE 



In France and Prussia's cruel war 

An incident took place. 
Which I'll relate because it yields 

A purer, lovelier grace 
Than incidents are wont to show 

When men to brutes are turned. 
Or where their finer feelings on 

Mars' altar must be burned. 

One bloody day a soldier fell, — 
A German soldier brave ; 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 143 

His comrades fled and left him thus 

Fast sinking to the grave. 
But when that day's dread work was done 

French peasants found him there 
Who kindly 'bore him from the field, 

And dressed his wounds with care. 

Early next morn to his bedside 

An opening rose was brought; 
Its fragrant beauty cheered him so, 

His wounds he quite forgot. 
Though he was greatly pleased thereby 

He kept it not alone 
But straiglitway sent it to his king, — 

And thus his love was shown. 

You say this was a ''trifling gift." — 

A Rose for Prussia's king! 
But mark, the king accepts it as 

A royal offering: 
He wore .this rose upon his breast -^ 

Where'er his kingship went, 
And many heard him proudly tell 

By whom it had been sent. ^ 

Meantime the soldier's nurses kind 

Had labored not in vain, 
For soon their generous work of love 

Brought back his strength again. 
Now, Berlin was his native place. 

When thither he returned, 



144 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Lo ! roses fair bedecked his home — 
A lesson thus he learned. 

This story true to us likewise 

A fitting lesson brings : — 
We 'have a heavenly King v^'ho sees, 

And marks the little things. 
*'A cup of water" in his name 

Rightly bestowed, we see 
Has promise of a sure reward 

Through all eternity. 

O ! men despise not little things. 

Let each do what he can ; — 
The widow who had but *'two mites" 

Cave more than any man ! 
A little deed of love dropped here, 

A little kind word there. 
When we are called before our King 

Will count as jewels rare. 



ODE TO THE ROSE 



Rose, Queen of the Flowers, a song now to thee 
My heart with true gladness would sing! 

For, in spite of the thorns, thou bringest to me 
Perfumes that no other can bring. 

Whether cultured hy man with the tenderest care, 
Or blooming in Nature's own grove, 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 145 

Still in beauty arrayed so modest and fair, 
An emblem of Peace and of Love. 

When the hand of affection hath sent me a Rose, 

Like a missive of tenderest things, 
It doth the sure token of friendship disclose. 

And toucheth the heart's secret springs. 

Whether dressed in the red, the yellow or pink. 

Or in white, so pure and so fair, 
The Roses beloved, to myself I oft think, 

A smile from lost Eden do wear. 

Bloom on, dearest Rose, let thy beautiful smile 

Be freely bestowed upon all : — 
Both the rich and the poor thou teachest the while 

To follow sweet purity's call. 

Stern Autumn may snatch all thy blossoms away, 
And scatter thy leaves too, I ween, — 

-Soon Springtime returns with the robin's sweet lay 
And calls thee to reign as the Queen. 



FASTENINGS 



We live in an age of wires and strings, , 

And other devices for fastening things. 

High fences and strong are built as a line 

Or boundary mark, to bar or confine. 

Yet often we see men looking for gaps 

Or flaws in a fence, still hoping, per'haps. 

Some scheme to invent whereby they might gain 

The vict'ry over all things that restrain. 



146 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Some things that we think are fastened to stay 

Are often unfastened the very same day. 

And things that were better not fastened at all,. 

United remain like a concreted wall. 

Fair promises often are left unredeemed, 

And written agreements but lightly esteemed;. 

While habits that dwarf, corrupt and congeal. 

Are binding as fetters of brass and of steel. 

E'en conjugal knots are often untied; 
Things fastened with oaths asunder divide. 
But customs of old, though good in their day^ 
Now quite out of date, are anchored to stay. 
Dame Fashion enslaves, bewitches and binds 
With shackles that 'hold the hearts and the minds- 
Of millions who bow her bidding to do, — 
Preferring the false to that which is true. 

Unequally yoked are many today; 
Entangling alliances lead them away 
From principles true and ways that are right. 
While worldly pursuits becloud heaven's liglit^ 
More grievous the yoke false leaders oft bind 
On consciences weak once truly inclined 
To follow God's hig'hest spiritual liglit, 
Unclouded by human perversions of right. 

The man who will do what he knows to be right,. 
Without being bound by the Law's legal might. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 147 

Is always preferred to one who must know 
How much is allowed — ^how far he dare go : 
Like the cow at the end of a rope or a chain 
That's tied to a stake in a field or a lane. 
Will try first how far she is able to go, 
And whether restrictions must hold her just so. 

A mule may not go till the lash is applied, 
Nor stand where he's placed unless he is tied, 
But halters and whips are not for the man 
Whose aim is to do the 'best that he can. 
You know where to find the man that is true, 
Though fences are down and the landmarks are 

few; 
He's always the same Wherever he's tried — 
"The man that will stand without being tied ! 



SNOWFLAKES AND FLOWERS 



O'er hill and plain wherever I look 

Snow's beautiful flakes deck ev'ry nook; 
'See! how they flit and hove around, then softly, 
softly settle down. 

Why do they descend — these flakes of snow. 

And whiten every object so? 
To shield the many tender plants and clothe the 

earth now frozen brown. 
Jack Frost sealed many a flower's doom : 

The rootlets now are hid; 



148 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

They*!! spring forth again with leaf and bloom. 
Soon, at their Malcer's bid. 

Boreas sways tlie leafless trees 

And whirls the snow o'er lands and seas! 
Our gardens and our fields are white, no growing" 
plants are to be seen. 

But winter's reign will soon be o'er; 

Sweet, smiling spring will come once more, 
And with its breath break icy bands and clothe the 

earth in living green. 
Our daisies and our violets now 

All sleep beneath the snow; 
They're sleeping — but to wake again 

When balmy spring-winds blow. 

f 

And many a precious little seed 

Down in its snowy tomb is hid; 
It sleepeth only — 'tis not dead — from it will spring 
the future tree. 

True, now they're hidden from our eyes ; 

The future comes, time onward hies. 
And soon we'll know how true it is, things are not 

as they seem to be. 
Though now the earth be wrapped in white. 

Stern winter reigns supreme today — 
Another scene will greet our sight 

When spring time brings permissive May. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 149 

SPRING 



Spring has come! Spring has come! 

Welcome bright and 'happy day! 
Glittering ice-fields are no more ; 

Snow-clad scenes have passed away. 

Spring 'has come, Spring has come ! 

See the glorious sunbeams play 
O'er the landscape fresh and warm, 

Just released from Winter's sway. 

Spring has come, Spring has come ! 

Natures heart now throbs with glee; 
Hark! the blue bird's merry song 

Fills the air with ecstasy. 

Spring has come, 'Spring has come! 

Now revives the dormant earth; 
Soon the flowers' sweet perfume 

Will announce their happy birth. 

Spring has come. Spring has come! 

Now let gloomy thoughts depart. 
Lambkins skip and birdies sing. 

Joyous raptures thrill each heart. 

Spring has come. Spring 'has come! 

Balmy breezes bring good cheer; 
For a long cold Winter's gone 

And the happy Spring is here! 

1875. 



I50 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

THE BLESSINGS OF TODAY 



How oft we miss the blessings 

The present has in store 
Because with hearts ungrateful 

We look and long for more; 
The good in our possession 

Can scant enjoyment bring 
While selfishly we covet 

Some far-off better thing. 
The sweetest heavenly manna, 

Sent for our use today, 
When hoarded for tomorrow 

Turns bitter with decay. 

'Tis not in idle dreaming 

'While sitting hy the way 
Of things 'beyond our vision — 

Some far-off future day, 
That we can find enjoyment 

That's true, and lasting, too: 
We'll find the future richest 

If to the present true. 
'Tis in the living present 

That we must truly live, 
And to the task before us 

Our best endeavors give. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 151 

If we would be a blessing 

To friends around us here, 
And share with them the sunshine 

Of gladness and good cheer, 
We must in sweet contentment 

Enjoy our little store 
Of treasures or possessions; 

Nor always wish for more; 
Regard the good of others 

We meet along the way, 
And use with true thanksgiving 

The blessings of today. 

The vale of good intentions 

'Tween hills of purpose true 
Is not the place to loiter 

Though pleasant be the view; 
When we have gained the hilltops, 

With tasks well done below, 
The view will be still grander. 

And pleasures sweeter grow. 
Providing we now notice 

The flowers 'long the way, — 
Are thankful for the comforts 

And blessings of today. 



1 

152 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

( 



LEARN A LITTLE EVERY DAY 



Would you hold the key to knowledge, 

And unlock its treasures rare? 
Are you thirsting for true wisdom 

With its wealth of truth so fair? 
You may win the prize you're seeking 

In a safe and honest way, — 
You must conquer if you simply 

Learn a little every day! 

Starting first from small 'beginnings, 

'Tis the steady growth that wins 
In life's battles here, no matter 

Where our "step hy step" begins. 
If we yield our hearts to Satan, 

Step by step we're led astray; — 
All while here, in good or evil. 

Learn a little every day. 

Not enough one day in seven 

To devote to heavenly things, 
For our tempter worketh daily ; 

Every day its trials brings. 
And to counteract his teachings 

'We must active be alway; 
And in all things good and noble 

Learn a little every day. 

Every day is fraught with lessons. 
Youthful minds find daily food 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 153 

In the teachings of surroundings — 
Parents, are those teachings good? 

"There's no royal road to learning," 
But there is a better way — 

Simply this — In truth and goodness 
Learn a little every day. 



NIL DESPERANDUM 

("Despair Not.") 



Nil Desperandum ! Though clouds thick and dark 
Are hovering o'er thy wave troubled bark — 
Though dangers seem countless on life's stormy 

sea, 
Let Nil Desperandum ! thy motto still be. 

Nil Desperandum ! Calamities may 
Sweep down like a deluge, sweet hope to allay, 
Stand up and be firm for the truth evermore, 
Bear bravely thy cross till life's battles are o'er. 

Nil Desperandum ! Misfortune and pain 

Can over thy spirit no victory gain 

If thou art united to him that is true, — 

No dangers so great but he'll carry thee through. 

Nil Desperandum ! Temptations most sore 

Are conquered through Jesus, then fear them no 

more; 
If thou art impelled by a love for the right, 
Be calm for true faith will put 'Satan to flight. 



154 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Nil Desperandum ! Though friendship may lose 
Its fragrance and die; though loved ones refuse 
To cheer thee and aid thee thy burdens to bear, 
Let Christ be thy comfort — yield not to despair. 

Nil Desperandum! Oh, why shouldst thou fear, 
Since Jesus has promised to be ever near? 
Invite His pure spirit to dwell in thy heart. 
Despair then and sorrow must quickly depart. 



THE HOSPITAL NURSE* 



Tripping up and down the hall, 

Pray, what does it mean, 
While I lie so helpless here 

'Snowy sheets between? 

Tripping up and down the hall. 

Stopping here and there 
To relieve the suffering ones 

In her special care. 

Tripping up and down the hall, 
Stepping through my door, 

Asking, "How're you feeling now?" 
As she looks me o'er. 

Taking pulse and temperature. 
Noting symptoms all. 



♦These lines came to my mind while lying in a hospital, 
shortly after undergoing a serious surgical operation. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS I5S 

Skilled for needed services, 
Be they great or small. 

Out she passes through my door, 

Off she trips again 
Looking up another case 

In distress or pain. 

How noble is thy calling, nurse, 

May God for service give thee grace; 
No hospitals could be maintained 

If thou should'st fail to fill thy place! 
Then may thy ministrations all 

In Jesus' precious name be given ; 
While serving thus Earth's suffering ones 

Thou servest too the Lord of Heaven; 
•And shalt, for good now done to me, 

As done to Him, rewarded be. 
Jan. 17, 1915. 



THE SWEETEST NAME 



In memory's chambers safely stored, 

And hid from eyes profane, 
A treasure lies that naught of Time's 

Corroding hand can stain. 
'Twas in the closing hours of day, 

When evening light grows dim, 
Our aged parent made request 

To hear his favorite hymn: 



156 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

"How sweet the name of Jesus sounds 

In a believer's ears;" 
And as we sang these precious words 

Our eyes were filled with tears, 
For well we knew our father's days 

On earth were numbered quite; 
Scarce comprehending how that Name 

Could be his soul's delight. 

While memory lasts that scene remains 

Impressed upon our minds. 
Time hastens on and severed soon 

Is every tie that binds 
To things of earth ; — how sad that some 

Must shed the bitterest tears 
Because they never knew the Name 

That "drives away our fears." 

Our family circle's scattered far; 

Some have departed too 
To be forever with the Lord, 

Whose blessed Name they knew. 
And all have learned to love that Name, 

The sweetest and the best, 
As "manna to the hungry soul. 

And to the weary rest." 

Oct. 10, 1916. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS 157 

IN MEMORY 



Of our daughter Ella Elizabeth Yoder, who was 
called from our family circle Feb. 28, 1904, at the age of 
14 years, 11 months and i day. 

What a treasure heaven gave us 

When our daughter Ella came, 
As a sacred trust to cherish 

For a season in His name, — 
In the name of Him who giveth 

All that's beautiful and good; 
Though we never comprehended — 

Never fully understood ! 

For we meant to keep her with us, 

And enjoy her presence here 
While her helpful disposition 

Our declining days might cheer; 
And with intellect so vigorous, 

Quick to see and understand, 
She would labor for her Savior 

With a glad and willing hand. 

Like a blossom full of promise, 

Withered by the chilling frost, 
So the body God had given 

All its youthful vigor lost. 
And her soul could find no pleasure 

In the things of time and space; 
Hence the Lord in mercy called her 

To a happier dwelling place. 



158 POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

Though our hearts are sorely wounded 

And the parting made us sad, 
Yet we know in heavenly mansions 

Holy angels make her glad. 
And we would not now recall her 

To a life of grief and pain, 
But rejoice to know up yonder 

Soon we all ^hall meet again. 

Brothers, sisters, and her parents. 

Six in number here remain; 
In our sorrow, blessed comfort. 

Broken ties unite again: 
Jesus is the resurrection, 

Those who die in Him will meet,. 
Ne'er to part, in Iheavenly mansions 

Where alone is life complete. 



LITTLE MABEL* 



Little Mabel, heavenly blossom, 
Sent to bloom a little while, 

Now returned to Him who gave her. 
How we miss 'her lovely smile! 



*In memory of our granddaughter, Mabel Rebecca^ 
daughter of Levi J. and Amanda M. Shenk, whose 
body perished in the flames of her burning home, 
near Denbigh, Va., Nov. 26, 1912; aged 3 years,, 
I month and 13 days. 



POETICAL MEDITATIONS IS9 

Stilled the voice that like sweet music 

Helped to cheer us on our way ; 
And the little feet that pattered 

In our presence day by day. 

Mild and loving disposition, 

Showing sympathy for all ; 
Pure emotions, sweet affection — 

Ah, we miss these most of all. 

Why, O why? now comes the question, 
Why, O Lord, must these things be? 

To our bleeding 'hearts He answers, 
"Only be resigned to Me." 

^Fiercest elements of nature 

Heavenly things can not destroy 

So for lis life's fiery trials 

Naught consume but base alloy. 

When our testing time is over — 

Faithful to the Cod of love — 
Xoss on earth brings gain eternal 

In the realms of joy above. 



i6o POETICAL MEDITATIONS 

WHEN I AM GONE 



When I am gone 
Will aught that I have said or done 
Still linger in the memory 

Of any one? 

What then will 'be 
The thoughts of those who think of me 
W'hile yet they breast the waves of life's 

Tempestuous sea? 

Honor or shame — 
'Soft words of praise, harsh words of blame. 
What then will move the lips of those 

Who speak my name? 

May then be seen 
Some sweet memento, ever green. 
To cheer and strengthen those who walk 

Where I have been? 

Life's labors done, 
The conflict o'er, the vict'ry won 
What influence will I leave behind 

When I am gone? 



PART II 
THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 



FOREWORD 



Most of these "Thoughtful Paragraphs" were 
first published in The Herald of Truth under the 
heading of "Notes and Comments <by Cephas." 
These notes were jotted down from time to time 
while the writer was engaged in the every day 
duties on his little farm, while driving to market, 
or while seated at tjhe home fireside on stormy 
winter days and quiet evening ihours. Thoughts 
copied from other writers are given credit as far 
as possible. As a certain writer says, "No think- 
ing is entirely original. We all absorb ideas from 
what we hear and read as well as from w'hat we 
see." 

May every reader of these paragraphs absorb 
only that which is edifying and helpful is the sin- 
cere desire of THE AUTHOR. 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

True Record 

Four things a man must learn to do, 
If he would make his record true : 
To think without confusion, clearly; 
To love his fellow-men sincerely ; 
To act from honest motives purely; 
To trust in God and heaven securely. — 

Henry Van Dyke. 
* * * 
Charity 

In all disputed questions, where different opin- 
ions are honestly held, what others may think, or 
what the writer of these 'Taragrapihs" may think, 
is not of as much importance as what the Word of 
God (taken as a whole,) has to say on the subject 
under consideration. 

Pleasing God 

We study the Bible in order that we may be- 
come better acquainted with its Author, and thus 
put ourselves in a better position to learn w'hat He 
wants us to know, and also to understand what He 
wants us to do. But let us not make the mistake 
of ''trying to please God by doing wfhat we would 
like God to want us to do." We may even make 



i66 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

up our minds as to What the Bible ought to teach, 

and then quote isolated passages to prove that we 

are right. 

* * * 

Proving 

'Trove all things; hold fast that which is 
good." There are many things in life that I can- 
not consistently prove or judge because they are 
quite ibeyond my comprdhension ; and as others 
no doubt must admit the same, would it not be 
wiser for us oftener to say, *'I do not know," and 
not so often to condemn as *'no good," or denounce 
as "foolish" what we do not understand or are 
unable to explain? 

* * * 
Holding Fast 

"Prove all things; hold fast that which is 
good." If we use our judgment in discerning be- 
tween the good and the evil, and then give our 
attention mostly to that Which is evil, perhaps 
fastening our minds on the flaws in a good sermon 
we hear, we are apt to forget that w'hich is good, 
and pervert Paul's good advice by holding fast to 
that which is not good. 

Love 

In this new century many wonderful dis- 
coveries and inventions will no doubt he made, but 
a greater "motive power" than Love will never be 
discovered. Love always prompts to action. If 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 167 

that promising young man who asked the question, 
"What good tlhing shall I do that I may have eter- 
nal life?" had loved God with all ihis heart, mind, 
soul and strength, his greatest joy would have 
been in following Jesus, and in doing w'hatever 
God wanted him to do. But since he loved his 
"great possessions" more than he loved God, the 
"motive power" within him prompted him to go 
away from Christ and to do those things which 
would keep him very near to the object of his love. 
What we love most we serve best. 

Faith 

"Ask and ye shall receive." That rich young 
man asked for something whidh he was not pre- 
pared to receive. Many still ask and receive not 
'because instead of stretching out open and empty 
hands to receive what God is ready to give for the 
asking, their hands are closed, being already so full 
of earthly things which they are unwilling to let 
go of, that they cannot grasp or hold heavenly 
gifts at the same time. Others ask and receive not 
because 'God knows that they would not make 
proper use of that for v^hic'h they ask; and as a 
merciful Father He kindly withholds such things 
as would work to the injury of His children. 

* * * 
Giving 

"Give and it shall be given unto you." Shine 

that others may 'have light and you shall have 



i68 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

more lig'ht yourself. Make proper use of your 
gifts and God will give you greater gifts. Comfort 
and encourage others and your own heart shall be 
strengthened and encouraged. Take up your cross 
on earth and receive a crown in heaven. That 
young ruler ihad an idea that he migfht have eter- 
nal life by doing some great g'ood deed, but when 
he learned that a sacrifice was required, — a giving 
up of the love of riches before the love of God (the 
main spring of all good deeds) could find room in 
his heart, and that he must dispose of his earthly 
treasures, which absorbed his (heart's affections, be- 
fore he could have treasures in iheaven, he went 
away sorrowful. 



Truth 

Truth is truth wherever found, 
In fruitful fields, or barren ground ; 
But he that would this treasure find 
Must seek with an unbiased mind. 

* * ♦ 
True Life 

The best exposition of Gospel truth is a life 
that lives "by the faitli of the Son of God." 

He « 4: 

Dotibt 

Wlhen in dbubt as to what course to pursue 
the best way is to "stand still" until all doubt is 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 169 

removed, and we can "walk in the light." "What- 
soever is not of faith is sin." 

« ♦ ♦ 
Infinity 

My eyes can take in hut a very insignificant 
part (comparatively speaking) of the material uni- 
verse, but my finite mind can grasp or comprehend 
even a smaller proportion of God's infinite truth. 

Propriety 

Many perplexing questions confront us as in- 
dividuals which every individual must decide for 
himself, with the help of God. A thing may -be 
right for me to do at a certain time and place 
vvHhich would not be right for you to do on that oc- 
casion, or for me to do at some other time. "Let 
every one be fully persuaded in his own mind." 

* * * 
Truth 

"What is truth?" This question was asked by 
a heathen nearly two thousand years ago who evi- 
dently did not wait for a reply. Many Christians 
in our time would receive a fuller reply to this 
question, and be able to comprehend more of God's 
eternal truth, if they would stop long enough to 
hear what God wants to tell them, and not be so 
anxious to hear the verdict of the people, nor spend 
so much time in finding out what others think is 
the truth. 



170 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

Common Sense 

No man of good common sense would make it 
his business to pick up and turn over every board 
he sees on other people's premises, neither are we, 
as Christians, under obligations to listen to the 
"other side" on all subjects. To read infidel books 
for t>he purpose of seeing Christianity from the 
infidel's standpoint, would be as unwise as it would 
be to swallow strychnine in order to find out 
whether it is poisonous. "No man is bound to 
listen to the devil's arguments against God, or 
against the Church of God.'* 

* * * 
Both Sides 

But, — did you ever see a board that had only 
one side? If you can give an intelligent descrip- 
tion of such a board, we may be prepared to con- 
sider a question on which Christians differ that 
has only one side, or that can be seen only the 
way you and I see it. The "whole truth" can not 
be seen by any one who takes only a partial or 
one-sided view. 

H: H: ^ 

Point of View 

Returning to the "board parable :" We see 
that boards are used for different purposes. A 
board that is part o'f a fence has two sides visible, 
but I can see only one side at a time, and I must 
change my position and look in the opposite direc- 
tion before I can see the other side. The sun may 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 171 

s'hine on my neighbor's side of the fence when my 
side is in the shade, or vice versa, and it would be 
very foolish in me to quarrel with my neighbor 
•because we cannot look at other things as well as 
fence boards from the same point of view. 

The Under Side 

I once saw a broad board lying on the ground 
in my field partly hidden by grass and weeds 
growing up all around it. Only one side of the 
board was visi'ble to 'human eyes. Of course I 
knew there was another side to be seen by turning 
it over, but I did not know just how that other 
side looked until I went to the trouble of raising 
the board and letting the sunlight under it. Then 
I found the lower side partly rotten, and the 
worms and bugs and other "creeping things" under 
the board squirmed around very much as if fhey 
wanted me to let them alone. The raising of the 
'board was the "agitation" which the "subject" 
needed in order to get at the "truth." Agitation 
and investigation are apt to cause a disturbance 
which for the time being may not be very pleasant, 
since some men "love darkness rather than light 
because their deeds are evil. 

* * * 
Let in the Light 

We should not ibe so "one-sided" that we can- 
not conceive of the possibility of any one seeing 
things that we cannot see from our stand point, 



172 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

and we should always be willing to change our 
position, or, if necessary, stop to "turn the board 
over" in order that we may see what is on the 
other side. But if we want to settle the matter by 
saying ''there is only one side," and ask others to 
let us alone, it looks very much as if there might 
be "rottenness" somewhere, or perhaps some 
"creeping things" 'hidden under the "board" that 
we would rather not have uncovered. "For every 
one that doeth evil hatet'h the light, neither cometh 
to the light lest his deeds should be reproved. 
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light that 
his deeds may be made manifest that they are 
wrought in God." (Jno. 3:20,21.) 

* * * 
Appearances 

"Beneath apparent zeal for truth, may be hid- 
den a judging spirit or a subtle leaning to our own 
understanding. Beneath apparent Christian faith- 
fulness may be 'hidden an absence of Christian 
love. — Hannah Whitall Smith. 



Purity 



God is love, and He abideth 

Only with the pure in heart, 
Where no carnal strife divideth 

Anxious souls with cruel art. 
To the pure the pathway brightens 

As they grow in Christian grace, 
And the word of God enlightens 

Till they see His smiling face. 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 173 

Purity 

"Blessed are the pure in "heart. " The unre- 
generated heart is deceitful above all things and 
desperately wicked," and no one can make his own 
heart pure by trying to think pure thoughts and 
speak pure words any more than he could cleanse 
a stream of water as long as its source is filthy. 
"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth 
speaketh." 

* * * 

Purity 

"Create in me a clean heart, O Cod," was 
David's prayer, and this must be the prayer of 
every one who would have a pure heart. The new 
creature in Christ Jesus, "created unto good works" 
alone can 'bring forth out of a good heart pure 
thoughts and right purposes. "As a man thiriketh 
in his heart so is he." 

* * * 
Inner Life 

"A man's life consisteth not in the abundance 
of the things which he possesseth," but it does 
consist very largely in the thoughts and purposes 
that possess 'his heart and mind. What we seek 
with all our heart and mind becomes photo- 
graphed, so to speak, on our inner self, and we 
grow more and more like unto that which we most 
ardently desire. 



174 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

Food and Exercise 

Food and exercise are essential to the growth 
and strength of our bodies. 'We grow intellectual- 
ly and spiritually 'by what we think, say and do. 
Our highest faculties must have food and exercise 
or they die and become a source of pestilence to 
our souls. There is no standing still. We must 
either go foward or backward in our spiritual life. 

* * * 
Heart Motives 

"A really great mind always sees the reflection 
of its own greatness everywhere, just as a really 
good heart sees some of its own goodness reflected 
from the lives of all those with whom it comes in 
contact. Little minds despise little people and 
consider little things unworthy of their attention, 
^nd hearts that are altogether bad see only badness 
in other hearts." — ^J. D. Dougall. We might even 
have our attention so constantly fixed on the bad- 
ness of the devil that we would fail to perceive the 
goodness of God. 

Vision 

"Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall 
see Cod." That which is spiritual must be spirit- 
ually discerned. The scribes and Pharisees could 
not see the divinity of Christ because their hearts 
were "full of hypocrisy and wickedness." Their 
spiritual vision was so blurred and distorted, look- 
ing for evil, that they saw only evil where there 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 175 

was no evil, because their eyes were evil. "But if 
thine eye be evil thy w'hole body (life) shall be 
full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in 
thee (thy vision) 'be darkness, hov^ great is that 
darkness." 

* * * 
Thoughts 

Those who have their affections set on heav- 
enly things must hov^ever keep their hearts **v^ith 
all diligence;" remem'bering what it is that "de- 
files the man," and ever exercise their minds in 
things that are edifying and uplifting, even as 
Paul exhorted the Philippian brethren: "Whatso- 
ever things are true, Whatsoever things are honest, 
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are 
pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever 
things are of good report; if there he any virtue,, 
and if there be any praise, think on these things."' 

Seeing God 

Those whose hearts are right in the sight of 
God; who live with an eye single to the glory of 
God, can see Him in all the visible works of na- 
ture, — looking "through nature up to nature's God" 
— and with an eye of faith they behold Him in all 
His providences, and after tlie veil of flesh is re- 
moved they shall "see Him as He is." 



176 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

Lights and Shadows 

Lights and shadows, ups and downs; 
Friendly smiles and angry frowns. 
Changing seasons, shifting scenes; 
Every variation means 
Something yet to be attained; 
Greater vict'ries to be gained: 
Some deep lesson yet unlearned, 
Crowns by crosses yet unearned. 

* * * 
Contrasts 

Life is made up of light and darkness, of sun- 
shine and shadow; of fair and cloudy weather. 
Uninterrupted sunshine would soon cause all vege- 
tation to wither and die. Great faith is born of 
great trials, and strength of character is found only 
in those who have endured hardness as good 
soldiers. 



Trials 

If God's children are required to pass through 
severe trials and afflictions it is only that they may 
be made better therd)y. We may pray to have 
the cup of suffering removed providing we can 
also say, "nevertheless not my will but thy will be 
done," and our heavenly Father will answer our 
prayer as will be ibest for us, either hy removing 
the trial or giving us strength to hold out faithful 
to the end. 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 177 

Pcaring Reproach 

If it is my lot to suffer reproach because my 
convictions of right go counter to the wishes or 
opinions of some others, I must be very careful to 
live my convictions in the spirit of meekness and 
love, and not in a haughty and self-righteous way. 

Trials 

If we are faithful children of God, He will 
surely not require us to pass throug^h any ex- 
perience that will not "work together" for our 
good; and if we suffer for Christ's sake, or be- 
cause we dare to live up to the best light that we 
have, while seeking for more light, what we thui 
endure with patience ^becomes for us but a stepping 
stone to a higher, a more glorious and blessed ex- 
perience. 

* * * 
Tested Friends 

"Prosperity makes friends, adversity tries 
them." When we repeat this old saying we are 
apt to think only of others who have not stood the 
test when we were overtaken by adversity. How 
-about our friends'hip for those who were sorely in 
need of the encouragement that we could give? 
Have we been only "miserable comforters?" 

* * * 
Afflictions 

It is not safe to regard worldly prosperity as a 
special mark of God's favor; neither should ex- 



178 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

emption from sickness and suffering in all cases be 
looked upon as a reward for uprightness. ''Whom 
the Lord loveth He c'hasteneth." Because there 
was none found like Job, "perfect and upright, 
fearing Cod and eschewing evil," only the severest 
affliction could be a real test of his faithfulness. 

Tests 

"The trying of your faith worketh patience."* 
Abraham was called the "friend of God," yet even- 
he was subjected to the severest test, and since he 
endured the trial and "obtained a good report 
through faith," he will always be known as "the 
father of the faithful." 

* * * 
Life's Lesson 

Our trials and troubles are no doubt often al- 
lowed to come upon us to teach us patience with, 
and sympathy for others ; but when we allow our 
troubles to make us selfisb and moi^bid, and we be- 
come impatient because others do not keep their 
troubles hid from us, or do not consider them of 
little account compared with ours, the afflictions- 
w'hich were intended for our good only harden and 
contract us, and we lose their true meaning and 
the lesson which God meant to teach us. "Alt 
things work together for good (not to all, but) to 
them that love the Lord." "For our light afflictionr 
which is but for a moment (compared with eter- 
nity) worketh for us a far more exceeding an(fi 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 179 

eternal weig'ht of glory, (only) while we look not 
at the things which are seen hut at the things 
•which are not seen.'* 



Charity 



"'Charity, heaven-iborn charity! 
Essence of all that is sweetest in time. 
Foretaste of ibliss in eternity. 
The sum and substance of Christian life, 
Which finds expression in deeds of love — 
Merciful deeds, though done to the least 
Of the poor on earth, to be received 
And find reward as done unto Him 
Who in heaven is crowned the greatest." 



Charity 

Charity does not require us to call evil good 
<ir wrong right, but it does inspire us to return 
g'ood for evil, and to labor and suffer, if necessary, 
to right that Which is wrong. 

* * * 

Charity 

Charity does not cause any one to ignore the 
^written Word, but it does teach us not to judge or 
condemn others when they do not get the same 
lessons out of the Word that we do. 



i8o THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

Charity 

W'hat a monotonous world this would be if all 
its inhabitants looked exactly alike! There is as 
much difference in minds as there is in faces. If 
God had intended that the ''many men of many 
minds" in this world should think alike on all sub- 
jects His Word would not teach us to have charity 
and forbearance, since there would then be no 
room for the exercise of these virtues. 

Charity 

It is possible for me to be so ''worked up" over 
the uncharitable words and actions of others that 
my feelings towards the uncharitable will be any- 
thing but charitable. 



Charity 

I know an old man who says he has read the 
Bible through two hundred times, and yet now in 
his old age his want of charity for the mistakes 
and weaknesses of others, deprives him of a church 
home. 

* * * 
Charity 

Charity never retaliates. It does not take 
vengeance on enemies nor pronounce a curse on. 
persecuters, but instead prays, ''Father, forgive 
them for they know not what they do/' 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS i8i 

Charity 

The disciple's sense of justice may sometimes 
make it appear right for him to call down fire from 
heaven to consume the enemies of God, but Char- 
ity says, '*Ye know not what manner of spirit ye 
are of; for the 'Son of man is not come to destroy 
men's lives but to save them." 

Charity 

While Charity never despises or belittles the 
law of God, yet because it "suf^ereth long and is 
kind," it is not in haste to inflict the severest 
penalty of the Law. Law says, "Cut down the 
unfruitful tree, why cumbereth it the ground?" 
Charity says, "Spare it yet another season ; give it 
another chance after I have improved its general 
condition and given it more favorable environ- 
ments." 

* * * 
Charity 

If a pie is cut in the usual way there is a 
place in the centre of the plate where all the pieces 
meet ; and if the pieces are all drawn back and 
away from this common centre, they also become 
separated from each other, and the "'gap" between 
the pieces widens as they are drawn farther away 
from their common centre. In all church diffi- 
culties, where a 'cold and uncharitable feeling is 
driving the members farther apart, and there is 
danger of a division, the first step necessary to an 



i82 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

adjustment of the difficulty is for all the members 
to "draw nigih to Cod," and the nearer they come 
to God, their Common Centre, the nearer they will 
come to each other. Love for God can not be 
separated from love of our neighbor. All true Chil- 
dren of God, who are really in touch with Him are 
also in touch with one another. 



Trust 

>Do thy duty, that is best; 
Leave unto thy Lord the rest. 

— Longfellow. 

* * * 
Consecration 

We cannot serve God with what we have 

wbile we reserve anything that we are. 

Pretense 

A little boy was standing on the scales to be 
weighed. He stretched to his utmost height and 
puffed out his cheeks. "Why, Johnny," said his 
companion, "you cannot make yourself heavier. 
You weigh just what you are." Very true. God, 
our Weigh Master, knows what we are, and even 
our fellow men will find it out w'hen we pretend to 
be what we are not. 

* * * 
Reputation 

Whenever we become o^er-anxious about our 
reputation and think we must defend our good 



-THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 183 

name, or make some special effort to "show off" 
or ''puff up" in- order that people may think well 
of us, we are thinking more highly of ourselves 
than we ought to think; and in trying to appear 
**'big," like the little hoy on the scales, we belittle 
ourselves in the eyes of all rig^ht-thinking, sober- 
minded people. 

* * * 
Motive 

If we have done anything worthy of praise or 
commendation, God knows it, and we can safely 
leave the matter with Him. To seek the praise of 
men rather than the praise of God, proves that our 
motive for doing what we think is worthy of 
praise was not good, then how could the deed 
itself be good? 



Character and Reputation 

It has been said that "reputation is what 
people think we are while character is what God 
knows us to be." When that Pharisee stood in 
the temple and "prayed with himself," it was not 
that God might know about his good deeds; but 
as he was praying to be seen of men, his object no 
doubt was to let the people about him know what 
a good man he was. This shows ns how very 
foolish and inconsistent it is for a Christian pro- 
fessor to sound his ^wn praises. "The moment we 
begin to speak of our humility there is none there." 



i84 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

Reputation 

We are sometimes very much concerned as to 
what others may think or say about us. We are 
afraid of toeing misunderstood or misrepresented, 
or perhaps not ''duly honored." Let us seek the 
honor that comes from 'God only, knowing that 
He understands us, and so long as He finds us 
faithful in 'that which He has entrusted unto us, it 
matters little what men may think or say about us, 
we can still look up for His approving smile and 
say, "God knows." 

Slander 

"But," says one, "people have been talking so 
shamefully about me, I just cannot stand it any 
longer. Something must be done." What did 
Jesus do about it when people talked all manner 
of evil about Him, and even accused Him of hav- 
ing a devil and of casting out devils through the 
prince of devils? Imagine the Apostle Paul stop- 
ping his work of preaching the gospel and building 
up churches in order that he might prove that 
people had lied about him, — establish his own 
righteousness, or make himself of some reputation 
by tracing up the evil reports! 

* * * 
Shining 

A friend once came to D. L. Moody and told 
him of how certain persons weres peaking all 
manner of evil against him and his work. He 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 185 

argued that the matter had now gone far enough 
and that it was time Moody took a hand in it in 
order to vindicate himself. Moody listened in 
silence for some time, then, with a gleam of 
humor in his eyes said in effect, ''Did you ever 
hear of the dog that used to bark at the moon 
when it was shining its brightest? That dog used 
to bark and bark and bark, disturbing everybody 
in the neighborhood and making a nuisance of 
itself generally with its incessant noise. At last, 
what do you think it did? ''Who, the dog?" "No, 
the moon. Why, the moon kept right on shin- 
ing." — 'Sel. 

* * * 
Humility 

Jesus of Nazareth "made himself of no reputa- 
tion" but suffered everything that envious and 
wicked men could heap upon Him, even dying the 
most ignominious death at the hands of His ene- 
mies, yet God gave him a NAME that is a;bove 
every other name. 



Life's Light 

Your life is your light, and tlie flame it is fed 
By pure thoughts, gentle words, kindly deeds; 

And you bear it aloft as you live day by day 
As the Spirit within you e'er leads. 

7ftA&ie M. Cook. 



i86 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

Growth 

Life without growth and activity soon ends in 
death and decay. 

* * * 
Room 

Large-hearted and 'broad-minded people are 

not cramped for want of room on the narrow way 

that leads to life everlasting. 

* * * 
True Pleasure 

If our 'hearts are rigiht in the sight of God, we 
cannot take pleasure in anything that is displeas- 
ing to Him. 

* * * 
Profession 

"Profession may be a lamp but the life lights 
it.'* The empty, unlighted lamp may satisfy those 
who prefer darkness to light ; and practice iniquity 
while they profess piety. 

* ♦ * 
Sons of God 

If we are living Christians, (having wifhin us 
the Life that is the light of men, we are sons and 
daughters of Cod in a hig'her sense than we are the 
sons and daughters of our earthly parents. 

Opportiuiities 

Only by making proper use. of our present 
limited opportunities and by feeing faithful in the 
little things fhat claim our attention and service 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 187 

now, can we develop our lives and prepare our- 
selves for the future with its enlarged opportuni- 
ties, greater privileges, and sweeter enjoyments. 

* * * 
Food and Poison 

If we take any food into our stomaclis that 
cannot be assimilated and used to build up our 
bodies, such food becomes a poison to us, and we 
lose our bodily health and vigor. ' The same is true 
in a spiritual sense. If we fill our minds with im- 
pure thoughts or desires, and evil imaginations; 
if we brood over wrongs, real or imaginary, and 
indulge in evil thinking, we are feeding on things 
that cannot build up the Christian life but instead 
will surely poison our souls and weaken us spirit- 
ually. 

* * * 
Inner Life 

If on a cold, frosty winter morning we should 
see a man with pen-knife in hand trying to scratch 
the ice from the lights or panes of his window, 
with the temperature of his room at zero, and no 
fire in his stove, we would think him very foolisli 
indeed. Would we not say "Start a roaring fire in 
your stove, raise the temperature of your room to 
the proper point, and the frost will disappear while 
you are engaged in more profitable work." Are 
not many trying to remove the frosty excresences 
from that part of their lives which is seen from the 
outside without paying proper attention to the life 



i88 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

within? To such we would say, "Get the life of 
Christ in the soul; let the love of God and man 
burn in your heart, until its warmth permeates 
your whole 'being, and is felt by those who come 
in contact with you, then the evil traits and bad 
habits that now cling to you like frost to the 
window-pane, will melt away while you give ex- 
pression to that love within you by serving your 
fellowmen in humility and self-forgetfulness, and 
your final reward may be with those to whom the 
Judge will say: "Inasmuch as ye have done it 
unto the least of these ye have done it unto me." 



Trust 

We bow, O Lord, submissively, 

Because Thou knowest what is best; 

The soul that fully trusts in Thee 
Finds perfect peace and joy and rest. 

Thankfulness 

To be ungrateful is to be unhappy. Only 
those who "in everything give thanks," ca;n "re- 
joice evermore." 

* * * 
Subjection 

Without t'he subjection of our wills to Cod, 
and the enthronement of His love in our hearts, it 
is impossible to live a life that is acceptable to 
Him. 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 189 

Limiting God's Word 

If I attempt to restrict the truth in any part of 
God's inspired Word to the limits of my own com- 
prehension of it, I not only deceive myself, but 
what I say and do will have a misleading influence 
on others. 

Sacrifice 

A sense of duty may impel one to give of his 
possessions to the cause of Christ, but to offer 
one's self to His service requires love that con- 
strains. 

Three Things 

Three things are very much alike: Talent 
without tact; ability without knowledge, and a 
sharp axe with a broken handle. 



THE FINEST EDUCATION.— That which 
will make us wise unto salvation. 

TRUE RICHES.— Things that will endure 
throughout all eternity. 

THE BEST ECONOMY.— Making the best 
of everything that God sends us from day to day, 
and not trying to hoard today's blessings for future 
use, as though we could not trust our heavenly 
Father to care for the things of tomorrow. 



190 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

Trust 

It is an easy matter for "well-to-do" Chris- 
tians, who have a snug bank account and a fixed 
income above their real needs, to say, ''The Lord 
is my Shepherd, I shall not want;" but when the 
bank fails and the income is stopped they may 
have a chance to learn Whether they were sus- 
tained by faith in God or whether they have been 
trusting in "uncertain riches." 

* * * 
Trust 

Silver dollars that bear the inscription "In G<^ 
we trust," may be a consolation to us while we 
can jingle them in our pockets, but it is necessaiy 
to have that inscription in our hearts when dollars 
become conspicuous by their absence. 



Discouragement 

While we are in the path of duty, fully realiz- 
ing our individual responsibility to God, every- 
thing that would discourage us and weaken our 
faith in God as our guide and support, even 
though it may come through our nearest and dear- 
est friends, must be met as Christ met Peter's 
well-meant reproof and admonition to self-pity,, 
knowing that they "savor not the things that be 
of God, but those that be of men." 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 191 

Xife's School 

Life is a scliool; and if in some departments 
of this school harder lessons are given than in 
others, it may be some consolation to remember 
that lessons are usually assigned according to the 
standing and ability of the pupil. Surely our all- 
wise Teacher knows better What lessons we need 
and are able to learn than we do ourselves. If He 
expects much of us it is because He has entrusted 
us with many talents. 

4: :(: 4: 

<jratitude 

"We help to preach the gospel simply by be- 
ing grateful. A cheery, sunny child of God, who 
^oes singing throug'h the days, is a Hving epistle 
wherein men read the love of God. On the other 
hand, Christians who whine and complain, look 
g-lum and altogether appear as if life were a desert 
w^aste. really detract from the power <yi the Gospel. 
We do an injustice to God When we worry and 
grumble."— Sel. 

* * * 
True Religion 

It is not enough for us to console ourselves 
with the words, '"All things work together for 
g'ood to them that love the Lord," but it is our 
privilege to "know for ourselves that this is the 
case; and whatever troubles or trials have come 
upon us, "whether they be of body, mind or es- 
tate," they could not have come upon us unless it 



192 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

ih'ad 'been the will of God that we should have been 
so tried, and therefore we are bound to believe that 
it is good for us to bear every trial until it has 
accomplished in us, or for us, or for others through 
us, the object which God had in view in allowing 
it to come upon us." If we take this view of the 
matter, what excuse can we of¥er for murmuring 
or complaining? And if this is not the proper 
view of God's dealings with us, how much of our 
religion is really worth having, or in what respect 
are we better off than those who are ^'without God 
in this present world?" 

* * * 
Preaching 

The preachers alone who truly bless the world 
are preachers of hope. Our mission must 'be to 
carry to men, not grief and tidings of ill, but joy 
and good news. One who has only questions and 
doubts to give has no right in the Christian pulpit. 
—J. R. Miller. 



God Understands 

Dearest friends sometimes misjudge us. 
Sometimes fail to help afford 

Just when all my heart is longing 
For a helpful, cheering word. 

But there's One who never, never 
Fails to meet my heart's demands, 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 193 

Thoug'h its needs 'be all unspoken. — 
Jesus knows and understands. 

— Carrie Hajrward. 

* * * 
Good Thoughts 

It is better to meditate on the goodness of 
God than to brood over the badness of men. 

* ♦ * 
Murmuring 

If we "in everything give thanks," what will 

there be left about which to murmur or complain? 

* * * 
Resignation 

There can be no real happiness for the Chris- 
tian who stops short of a complete resignation to 
what he knows to be the will of God concerning 
himself. 

* * * 
Sectarianism 

To speak of others as "so-called Christians" 

'because they do not "follow with us," or belong to 

our religious society or denomination, shows a 

narrow, Pharisaical spirit, altogether foreign to the 

teachings and example of Christ. 

* * * 
Sectarianism 

If we closely follow the teachings of the Bible 
in the spirit of the Gospel, we will have no dispo- 
sition to engage in controversy with others in re- 
gard to certain modes, forms, or customs concern- 



194 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

ing Which we have no direct command in the 
Bible. 

* * * 
JLove 

Christian love is not manufactured by the 
machinery of formal obedience to law. True 
obedience to the will of God is the production of 
the love of 'God which is shed abroad in our hearts 
through the Holy Ghost. Jesus says, '"He that 
loveth me keepeth my words." 

* * * 
Separation 

"No man can serve two masters." A genuine 
separation from the world is only the legitimate 
result of a real spiritual connection with Christ. 
To expect a heart separation from the world while 
fhere is no vital union with Christ would be as 
illogical as to look for grapes on a ibranch that has 
no connection with the vine. 

* * * 
Endurance 

Peace wifh God means war against Satan, the 
enemy of God. The Bible does not picture the 
Christian as a tender hot-house plant, simply 
blooming 'here in the sunlight of God's smiles for 
la season, and tlien to be carried to heaven on 
"flowery beds of ease," 'but rather as a good soldier 
v^ho endures hardness, sacrificing his own ease and 
comfort for the good of otliers, ever ready and 
fully equipped, with the whole armor of God, to 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 195 

carry on an aggressive warfare against the powers 
of evil under the leadership of the Captain of his 
salvation. 



Heart Religion 

•-* 

As from the seed the plant doth grow, ■{ 

And from the fount the brooklet flow,. 

So from the power of Christ within 

A holy life alone can spring. 

Then seek not in mere outward things- 

The blessing v^hich religion brings. — 

Religion of the heart \''§ 

Must life and peace impart; 

All "moral works" are dead without 

Religion of the heart. 

* * * 
Heart-fruit 

Do I hear some one say, "So you think, Tf the 
heart is right all is rig'ht?'" Rather say. If the 
heart is wrong all is wrong, and unless fhe heart 
Ibecomes right in the sight of God, everything will 
remain wrong; yea, even all your boasted right- 
eousness will be as filthy rags before Him. "A 
good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can 
a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." 

* * * 
Sectarianism 

No one should be a member of our church 

society who does not believe that her doctrines are 



196 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

founded on the Bible, but it would be a mistake to 
say that the Bible is founded on the doctrines of 
our churc'h society or denomination ! 

True Faith 

Paul felt more concern about getting people to 
have faith in Christ and confessing Him before the 
world than he did about getting them to subscribe 
to any particular confession of faith. "Believe on 
the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." 
*'With the heart man believeth unto righteousness 
and with the mouth confession is made unto sal- 
vation." 

* * * 

Positive Religion 

The Christian religion is not a negative, no- 
'harm religion; it is a positive, doing-good religion. 
Hence in determining our course and conduct in 
life, it is not enough to ask. Is there any harm in 
this or that? But the real question is. Will it do 

any good? Jesus went about doing good. 

* * * 

Finding by loving 

**He that findeth *his life shall lose it, and he 
that loseth his life for my sake s'hall find it." ''Giv- 
ing is living." ''It is better to give than to re- 
ceive." To receive and fail to give brings stagna- 
tion and death, even as the Dead Sea which re- 
ceives the waters of the river Jordan but having 
no outlet has become a poisonous pool devoid of 
animal and vegetable life. 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 197 

True Foundation 

"Other foundation can no man lay than that i<^ 
laid Which is Jesus Christ." When Christians 
learn to look more to Christ as the real basis of 
union in His Church, and less to minor things con- 
cerning which Paul would say, "Let every one be 
fully persuaded in his own mind," there will be 
less starving on the 'husks of religion and more 
growth in spiritual life, and better work done for 
the advancement of His cause and kingdom. 



Wheat and Chaff 

The rough and cruel winds that drive 
The light and empty chaiT away 

Reveal and cleanse the solid wheat 

With worth and weight enough to stay. 

Trials 

The most useful Christians are those who have 
humbly and submissively passed through the 
greatest trials. 

* * * 
Faith 

It is impossible to render faithful service unto 
the Lord without a firm and abiding faith in Him 
whom we would serve. 



198 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

Fruit Bearing 

We should never indulge in a self-satisfied 
feeling because we bear some **fruit." The Master 
of the vineyard wants us to bear ''much fruit." 

* * * 
Obedience 

"Love is the fulfilling of the law." We can 

render real obedience to the revealed will of God 

only so far as His will has become our will through 

the transforming power of love. 

* * * 
Branches 

Christ being the vine, without a Spiritual con- 
nection with Him we are but as dead branches in 
the sight of God, no matter what our standing 
may be in the visible c'hurch. 

* « * 
Supreme Love 

To be "prone to wander from the Lord we 
love" (as the old hymn expresses it) s'hows that 
we do not love God "with all our heart, mind, soul 
and strength," as we are always drawn towards 
that which we love, or has for us the geatest at- 
traction. 

Pruning 

The trials of life being "God's pruning knife," 
it is a comfort to know that the Hand that holds 
tlie pruning knife knows best how to use it. With- 
out submission to the pruning process there can be 
no fruit-bearing. 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 199 

Persecution 

Instead of murmuring or giving way to dis- 
couragement 'because of their trials as followers of 
Christ, the disciples rejoiced that they were count- 
ed worthy to suffer for His sake. 

* ^ ^ 
Shadows 

If it were not for the light there could be no 
shadow; and the reason some people see only the 
shadow is because they have turned their backs to 
the Light. Many also walk in darkness because 
they wilfully close their eyes to the light. 

* 4: 4: 
Adaptability 

"God is the same yesterday, today and for- 
ever;" but He does not for that reason restrict 
himself to the same method for accomplishing His 
work; and instead of requiring laborers in His 
vineyard to use the same tools in harvest time that 
they used in seed-time, He no doubt expects them 
to act as intelligent beings under ever-changing 
seasons and conditions. 



Life's Calendar 

All things of Earth must die; 

And hoary Time decay; 
But Love, immortal Love, 

'Can never pass away. 



200 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

When Time shall be no more, 
No more will days and years 

Be written on a blotted page 
As cause for smiles or tears. 

Pure thoughts and no'ble deeds, 
Of Faith and Hope and Love, 

May then appear instead of dates 
In life's great Book above. 

* * * 
Love 

Real Christian fellowship is made possible 

only by true Christian love. 

* * * 
Spires 

Hig'h church spires are no indication of lofty 

aspirations. 

* * * 

Roses and Thorns 

"We sometimes complain that roses have 
thorns, when we ought be thankful that thorns 
have roses." — Northfield Prize Thoughts. 

* ♦ * 
Gifts 

God's best gifts are for the use of those who 

are willing to use them for the good of others. 
« « « 

Facts and Truth 

When we have found a little pebble of fact we 
should not imagine that we have discovered the 
whole mountain of truth. 



THOGUHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 201 

Prejudice 

Most men are inclined to decide disputed ques- 
tions, not according to their real merits, but ac- 
cording to their own self-interests and prejudices. 

* * ♦ 
Faith 

To be like Peter, "without silver or gold," is 
better than to be without that faith which enabled 
Peter to give "suc'h as he had." 

* * * 
Scorn 

*'And they laughed him to scorn." To laugh 
others to scorn does not prove that they are 
wrong or that we are right; neither does suc'h 
laughter prepare our respiratory organs for the en- 
joyment of that holy atmosphere "beyond the star- 
ry skies." 

« 4c 41 

God's Image 

Man created in the divine image, with capa- 
bilities of communicating with his Creator, cannot 
•honor and glorify God as long as he is satisfied to 
remain "a miserable worm of the dust." 

* * * 
Faith 

It is better to have all our plans defeated 
knowing that "all things work together" for our 
good than to see our efforts crowned with success 
and yet have no faith in the overruling power of 
God for the good of His people. 



202 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

God's Purpose 

Experiences that train our souls for God's 
kingdom may count for more in His sight than the 
failures or successes of the ''great and good caus- 
es" for the sake of which we undergo the ex- 
periences. The Lord may care more for the effect 
that our work has on us than He does for the 
effect of our efforts on the work. 



Faith 

Have faith in the Lord 

And trust in His Word: 
All good things 'come from above. 

Then live for the right, 

And walk in the light 
Of God's unchangeable love. 

* * * 
Leadership 

No one can he a Spirit-led child of God as 
long as he wants to assume the leadership. 

Controversy 

'Spirited religious controversies retard spiritual 
growth, and the silent influence of a godly life is 
more convincing than the most learned argument. 

Devotion 

Those who live for Christ in their everyday 
life, whatever their lot in life -may be, are prepared 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 203 

to die for Him in the hour of death, even though 
the stake should be their lot. 

4: 4: 4: 
Thoughts 

''For my thoughts are not your thoughts, saith 
the Lord." No one can rise 'higher than his own 
thoughts; and to harbor an evil thought w^ith 
pleasure or satisfaction is to place one's self on a 
level with that thought. 

Charity 

Since salvation is an individual matter, I have 
no right to judge the weakest brother or sister in 
anything v^hich the Word of God leaves to the 
individual conscience. "So then every one must 
give account of himself to God." 

Service 

",'Education counts, and intellectual acuteness 
is of value, but the Christ-like spirit, coming "not 
to be ministered unto but to minister," will always 
find a place where it can display itself in deeds 
that make life noble and great." — Youths* Com- 
psinion. 

* * * 
Warnings 

If we were not in danger of going astray it 
would not have been necessary for God to provide 
us with a "Guide Book" to point out the right 
way; and if it were not possible for us to do 



204 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

wrong there would be no virtue in doing right, and 
we could never hear the Master's ''Well done." 

* * * 
Spiritual Discernment 

Soul problems cannot ibe solved by the finest 
mathematician, and the "constituent elements" of 
a life that is "hid with Christ in God" are beyond 
the sp'here of intellect. Hence the "wise and pru- 
dent," in matters that pertain to this life only, have 
no advantage over "babes and sucklings" in the 
discernment of spiritual things. 

* * * 
Law of Nature 

"Man looketh on the outward appearance, but 
the Lord looketh on the heart." In the National 
Museum in Washington, D. C, may be seen what 
appear to be the finest specimens of fruit our 
Country produces, and it is bard to realize that 
such lovely apples, pears, peaches, etc., are only 
"painted wax works." Being only representations 
of fruit, these apparently perfect specimens can 
never answer the purpose or take the place of the 
genuine article. To fasten such imitations on a 
tree would not make the tree "good" or "fruitful;" 
neither can compulsory measures be used to make 
the disciples of Jesus "bear fruit," since genuine 
fruit is always the spontaneous outgrowth of life 
within; it can never be manufactured to order 
after a certain pattern, but comes forth in obe- 
dience to that law of creation which has decreed 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 205 

that every tree shall yield *'fruit after his kind, 
whose seed is in itself," or which contains within 
itself a living principle or germ calculated to re- 
produce itself. 



Seedtime and Harvest 

Prepare the soil, then plant or sow 

And weed and prune that crops may grow. 

With faith in God, rejoice and live; — 

The harvest He alone can give. 

Of us God faithful work demands. 

But holds results in His own hands. 

* * * 
Our Mission 

The only way to find our "mission" is to fol- 
low in the path of submission. 

* * * 
Our Example 

'Tn His Steps, What would Jesus do?" We 
can do as Jesus would do only so far as we are as 
He was while here in the flesh. 

H« ^ H' 

Rewards 

As talents are given to every one "according 
to his several ability" to use the same, so the good 
and faithful will no doubt be rewarded according 
to their capacity to enjoy the reward. 



2o6 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS ^ ^^ 

Our Influence 

If the influence of our lives on those around 
us is such as to make it harder for them to live as 
Christians, we are working for the enemy of the 
souls of men. 

* * * 
Workers 

To be a Christian worker, one must work in 
harmony with Him; which means to be a "co- 
worker with God." Nothing can be done in His 
name that is not done according to His will, by 
His authority, and throug'h the co-operation of His 
Spirit. 

Work 

Whenever so-called "Church work" is not 
done in His name, but rather in the name and the 
interest of the workers, the Master will no doubt 
.•say of the workers, "Verily they have their re- 
'ward." 

* * * 
IReward 

We will not be rewarded according to the 
.-amount of work that we have done, but according 
ito our faithfulness in doing the little that we are 
a'ble to do with the talents entrusted to our care, 
and the opportunities placed before us. "Be thou 
faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown 
of life." 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 207 

Work 

The Christian's work in this world is to turn 
the world ''right-side up," with its face towards 
God, hence perverted humanity naturally accuses 
the faithful worker of turning the world "upside 
down." 

Reward 

Christ, the greatest Worker always works 
with those who work for Him; hence all work 
that is really done for Him (in His name), though 
it be but the giving of a cup of cold water, is 
great work and will receive a great reward. 

* * * 
Reward 

The man who saw himself as the "chief of 
sinners," became the chief apostle. Great things 
are accomplished by those v^ho profit by great mis- 
takes, and the greatest happiness comes to those 
who have passed through great tribulation. 

* * * 
Talent 

True greatness consists not so much in the 
accomplishment of extraordinary deeds by reason 
of exceptional gifts or unusual talents, as it does 
in unswerving faithfulness in the ordinary every- 
day duties of life, made possible by fhe proper use 
and development of ordinary gifts and talents. 



208 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

Not of Ourselves 

If man could earn salvation by good works, 
no Savior would be needed. We can "work out" 
or give expression to our salvation only after we 
are the saved children of Cod and have the Spirit 
of Christ within us to prompt us to good works, 
and enable us to "let" (not make) "our light so 
shine that men may see our good works and glori- 
fy" (not us but) "our Father which is in heaven." 

* * * 
Fidelity 

If every preacher of the Gospel could truth- 
fully say with Paul, "We preach not ourselves but 
Christ Jesus the Lord," and every religious paper 
were published only as an exponent of Gospel 
Truth ; in short, if Christian people in every posi- 
ition in life, were divested of the self-seeking spirit, 
and all work together harmoniously, with an eye 
single to the glory of 'God, the evangelization of 
the world in the present generation would no 
vdoubt become an accomplished fact. 



Spiritual and Secular 

Duty to God and duty to man can not be 
considered separate and apart from each other; 
neither can we draw a clear and sharp dividing 
line between spiritual work and secular work, 
since everything we do is to he done "to the honor 
and glory of God." We can not serve God and 
ignore the claims of our fellow men. When the 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 209 

£nal reward for service is given, the Judge has no 
special reward promised for service done directly 
to Him, but His words are, "Inasmuch as ye have 
done it to the least of these my "brethren, ye have 
<ioxie it unto me." 

4: * « 
-For or Against 

There is One who is called the Savior because 
His work is to save, and there is one who is called 
ithe destroyer because his work is to destroy. All 
.mankind may be divided into two classes : Co- 
workers with God, — working with the Savior to 
save ; or co-workers with Satan — working with the 
•destroyer to destroy. The Savior says ''He that 
is not with me is against me." 

* « « 

Good and Evil 

"Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that 
^hic'h is good." It is necessary sometimes to look 
at fhat which is evil, and see its hideousness, in 
order that we may "atbhor*' it; it is just as neces- 
sary to look at that which is good and see its 
l)eauty and loveliness before we can have a desire 
to "cleave to that which is good." The teacher 
^Tvho can awaken an ardent desire for that which is 
good and pure, so that his pupils want to turn 
■away from evil and do that which is good, will 
accomplish more than the one who continually 
directs attention to evil things and expects his 
■pupils to be kept from evil by a strong fence of 



210 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

*'don'ts" and "must nots" While they are not at- 
tracted towards that which is good. 

4: 4: « 

Joy or Sorrow 

Those who truly accept Christ can do so glad- 
ly while those who reject Him must go away sor- 
rowfully. 

* * * 

Joy 

It is a great mistake to expect "a real good 

time" in this life without coming to the real Source 

of all good. 

« * * 

Parental Respect 

Disrespect to parents and reverence towards- 
God cannot be found in the same person. 

* * * , ,,. 
Respect " -^ 

Respect should always be shown to the aged^ 

which implies that the aged should always show 

themselves worthy of respect. 

* * * 

Humility 

Where there is a desire manifested to pose be- 
fore the world as a plain and humble people the 
genuineness of these desirable qualities may w^ell 
be called into question. 

* * ^ 
Man's Chief End 

Since the chief end of man is to "glorify God 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 211 

.and enjoy Him forever," to miss the end and pur- 
pose of our creation and make a miserable failure 
of life, one need only to live for self-glorification 
and to "enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." 

♦ « ♦ 
Xaw 

If we want to measure our goodness by com- 
paring ourselves with lawbreakers and criminals, 
and say "We want only what the law allows, no 
more and no less," we have not yet learned the 
first principle of the greatest commandment in 
•God's law. 

4: ♦ 4: 

Morality 

Morality cannot make any one a Christian, but 
Christianity alone can produce the highest form of 
morality, — doing right not simply because the law 
demands it, but because right is right, and because 
tiie Spirit of Christ moves its possessor in the 
light direction. 

♦ ♦ * 
ITnity 

"Be of the sa'me mind." Brother, it is im- 
possible that you and I should see everything in 
the same light, and have the same convictions on 
all subjects. Nevertheless we can "be of one 
OTiind," not only in regard to the underlying prin- 
ciples of religion, but in this, that we sympathize 
with each other's peculiar religious convictions. 
If I believe that you are perfectly honest and sin- 



212 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

cere, and you believe the Same of me, we can cul- 
tivate a sympathetic and charitable feeling towards 
each other, even while each tries to instruct and 
enlighten the other; and then instead of trying to 
"hit" and "down" each other, we can unite our 
fighting forces against the common enemy, the 
devil, and direct all our hard knocks against him.. 

* * * 
Rules 

Some school teachers have a long list of 
"Don't" rules which their pupils must obey if they 
would escape punishment. The teacher who gained 
my highest respect and fullest confidence when I 
was a boy placed only one rule on the blackboard, 
namely : 

DO RIGHT 

To inspire with the proper incentive and desire for 
right-doing is the gospel way for preventing^ 
wrong-doing. 

* * * 
Legality 

To the law-restricted Jews, Jesus said, "Why- 
even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?"' 
People who think they have a right to do any- 
thing that is not foi^bidden in the written law have 
not yet learned to use their own judgment, en- 
lightened 'by the Holy Spirit, who is sent to gulde- 
ns into all truth. Such are still under the old! 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 213 

covenant, not having God's law (v^ill) implanted 
or w^ritten in their hearts and minds. 

4: ^ * 

First Things 

To be loyal to the Church v^e must first and 
always be loyal to the Head of the Church. True 
loyalty to principles means more than a passive 
obedience to certain prescribed rules of conduct, 
even though such rules may be based on those 
principles. "Seek first the kingdom of God and 
His righteousness." Why first? Because that is 
the most necessary thing to do. Everything else 
is secondary and can be considered only in its re- 
lation to the first things. Besides attending to that 
which is of the highest importance prepares one 
for all other minor duties. Do first things first; 
secondary matters follow as a matter of course 
where the most important things are properly at- 
tended to; but if secondary matters have our first 
or closest attention, we will be quite sure to miss 
or neglect the most important things. 

* * * 
Preparation 

'Trepare to meet thy God." Any "prepared- 
'ness" that does not take God and His will into 
consideration is not worthy of the name. Only 
when we are prepared to meet our God in peace 
can we be prepared to meet the events and cir- 
cumstances of life. 



214 THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 

Non-Resistance 

What is known as the "non-resistant" doctrine 
is not founded on "sickly sentimentalism," nor 
even on certain texts found here and there in the 
New Testament, but on the very life and spirit of 
the Christian religion, and on the fact that God 
lias pledged Himself to see that justice is done to 
His people. Hence the Christian is out of his 
sphere when he undertakes to render evil for evil, 
or execute judgment on his enemies by giving 
them what they deserve : "Vengeance is mine, I 
will repay, saith the Lord." 



Forgetting God 

A noted general who had ample opportunity 
to learn the nature of war, said, "War is hell." 
The Bible says all the nations that forget God 
shall be "turned into hell." It also says, "Right- 
eousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach 
to any people." When a nation forgets God and 
worships the golden image of its own wealth and 
^military power, trusting in tihe strength of its army 
and navy rather than in God who holds the destiny 
of nations in His bands, such a nation will surely 
be given an opportunity to test the saving power 
of that which it has set up in place of the true God. 



THOUGHTFUL PARAGRAPHS 



215 



THE LORD'S INSURANCE POLICY 



Conditions : 

'Trust in the Lord and 
do good 



"Seeic first the king- 
dom of God and His 
righteousness 



Benefits : 

So shalt thou dwell in 
the land and verily 
thou shalt be fed. — 
Psalm 37:3. 

And all these things" 
(the necessaries of 
life) shall be added 
unto you. — ^Matt. 6 : 
33, 



What more does the Christian want? 



INDEX 



A 

All for Our Good 56 

B 

Be Kind to the Living 129 

Belonging to Jesus 25 

Bible Lesson, A 74 

Bible, The 15 

Blessing of today 150 

By Faith Ye Stand 91 

C 

Christianity Requires Peace 94 

Christian Living 33 

Christian Love and Sympathy 48 

Christian Perseverance 85 

Christian's Only Foe, The 126 

Christmas Time 103 

Consider the Lilies 60 

Count the Blessings 98 

Cruel Work of War, The 124 

D 

Defy Life's Storms 134 

Die Froehliche Botschaft 104 



2i8 INDEX 

£ 

Eternal Life 37 

F 

Fastenings 145 

Feet Washing icx) 

Friendship 141 

From Darkness to Light 22 

G 

God Bless the True Life 41 

God Knows Us As We Are 44 

God Owns All Things 88 

God So Loved ^7 

H 

Hospital Nurse 154 

I 

In Memory 157 

Invitation 26 

K 

King's Rose, The 142 

L 

Learn a Little Every Day 152 

Life 29 

Life's Beautifier 43 

Life's Mysteries 39 

Life's Purpose 82 



INDEX 219 

Life's Warfare 35 

Lights and Shadows 5b 

Little Brook's Song, The 133 

Little Mabel 158 

Living 135 

Look Up 79 

Look Up and Live 81 

Love of God, The 76 

M 

Misunderstood iii 

N 

New Year's Reflections 105 

Nil Desperandum 153 

O 

Ode to the Rose 144 

Opposed to Education 112 

Our Country's Shame 130 

Our Heavenly Home 107 

Our Thoughts 55 

P 

Passing On 109 

Prepare to Live 31 

Provoke Unto Love 63 

Q 

Quaker Maiden's Lament, The 124 



220 INDEX 



R 



Religion in the Heart 53 

Right Triumphant 118 

S 

Salvation 19 

Seeing the Beautiful 139 

Self Examination 71 

Simple Life, The 136 

Snow-Flakes and Flowers 147 

Soul in Danger, A 28 

Sowing and Reaping 62 

Spring 149 

Swear Not At All 97 

Sweetest Name, The 155 

T 

To Every Man His Work : 83 

Trust 59 

Truth and Peace 18 

U 

Union of Believers 46 

W 

War 114 

What Do We Seek? 69 

What Is True Greatness? 122 

When I Am Gone 160 

Wisdom 72 

Wonderful Works of God, The 65 

Work and Wait 86 



6 A !) 



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